Redcar and Cleveland councillors reject weekend voting pilot

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 15:32 · Archive

Councillors in Redcar and Cleveland have voted against a Government pilot allowing weekend voting in May 2027 local elections.

Redcar and Cleveland councillors have voted against a Government pilot programme that would have allowed residents to vote on a weekend. The scheme would have seen five voting hubs established in Redcar, South Bank, Loftus, Skelton and Guisborough, available for use the weekend before polling day in scheduled local and parish council elections in May 2027. The Government would have covered any costs associated with the trial.

Council leader Alec Brown supported the proposal, arguing it would 'increase democracy' and make it easier for working people to vote. He posted on Facebook expressing that he was 'shocked' at some councillors' opposition, saying that although it was not a 'silver bullet to increase turnouts', it would have helped voters access polls more easily.

Opponents disagreed. Veteran independent councillor Steve Kay said: 'Why are we letting the Government use us in an experiment, we should avoid it.' Former council leader Sue Jeffrey argued the scheme would not boost participation, saying it merely gave people with a ballot paper the chance to use another polling station for a couple of days.

How it is being reported

• 'Totally pointless' - Councillors reject plans to allow weekend voting in electionsCouncillors have delivered a withering assessment on a Government pilot programme which would have allowed Redcar and Cleveland residents the chance to vote on a weekend.The Northern Echo · 20 Oct, 15:00
• 'Totally pointless' weekend election voting turned down by councillors amid scathing reactionMore Redcar and Cleveland councillors voted against the proposalTeessideLive · 20 Oct, 14:00

In this story: Redcar and Cleveland · Alec Brown · Steve Kay · Sue Jeffrey · Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

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