Brighton and Hove Council electoral services staff have distributed 1,060 voting packs to people in the South Portslade ward ahead of the by-election on January 11.
But the returning officer said there will not be offering a “collection service” and told people to return the votes by post, despite the city council admitting it doubts the Royal Mail’s reliability, or hand them in at a polling station, even though many people choose to vote by post as they cannot attend in person.
David Maples, the Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC) candidate in the by-election, claimed this was all part of the plan by Labour to force a low turnout through late or lost postal votes.
“This is quite remarkable. Labour cynically called this by-election over Christmas hoping for a low turnout,” he said.
“Now, council staff are doing their best to try to ensure all electors have a chance to vote.”
But the city council has denied the allegations, saying the resignation of longstanding South Portslade councillor Les Hamilton was not timed to manipulate voter turnout.
“The timing of the by-election was determined by the date of the resignation of the former councillor Les Hamilton,” said a city council spokesman.
“This triggered a statutory timetable that the returning officer must adhere to.
“A by-election is required by law to take place within 35 days of a notice of vacancy.”
The city council said people can hand their postal votes into Hove Town Hall anytime before 10pm on January 11 or at any polling station on polling day.
“It is for the electors to decide if they wish to exercise their right to vote,” said the spokesman.
“If they decide to do so they have a choice of how to return it. There is a pre-paid postal envelope that can be posted using Royal Mail.
“Given the increased volumes of mail at this time of year electors may be advised to do this as soon as possible.
“It is standard advice for returning officers to advise electors that they can return packs to polling places. Indeed, the statutory wording of postal poll cards also states this.”
A Royal Mail spokesman said the company is “immensely proud” of the role it plays in the democratic process.
“Our specialist election team meticulously plans every aspect of the elections delivery programme and works closely with local authorities to ensure everything runs as smoothly as possible.”
READ MORE: Royal Mail slammed as Portslade letters take a month to arrive
Portslade residents regularly campaign for improvements to poor Royal Mail service in the area and Mr Maples said he would continue this fight if elected.
“Residents know how unreliable the privatised Royal Mail is,” he said.
“Posties are dedicated and out in all weathers. Royal Mail management is trashing the daily universal service obligation. We have had enough of parasitic vulture capitalists. We call on an incoming Labour government to nationalise Royal Mail without compensation.”
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