Call For Inquiry Over Missing Polling Cards

A number of voters in the Glenrothes West and Kinglassie ward say they didn't receive a polling card for last week's by-election in the area.

Turnout for the vote - which was won by the SNP's Julie Ford - was just 27.1%

It's thought many were unaware that they could vote without a polling card. The SNP believe turnout may have been affected by this.

Peter Grant, who resigned the seat to run in the general election, said: "In the lead up to Polling Day, the SNP election team were receiving credible reports from many residents across the ward that they had not received their Polling Cards.

"I and many others had the clear impression that this was happening more than in most elections. It's significant that on Polling Day itself the staff in several polling stations told me they had formed the same impression. I'm anxious to find out if there was a particular problem at this election. If anyone living in the Glenrothes West and Kinglassie ward didn't get a voting card, I would be grateful if they could let me know.

"I have already had an informal discussion with the Returning Officer, who has assured me that his staff will review the delivery of the Polling Cards. If we are able to build up a picture of any particular problem areas this will greatly aid any review.

"We shouldn't let anything detract from what was an outstanding victory for the SNP's Julie Ford but if there are lessons to be learned we need to learn them. It's true that no one has to have a Polling Card to claim their vote, but many voters don't realise this. They often rely on the card as their official notification of the election and where they should vote. It is a very important part of the process. The lower than usual turnout at the by-election may have been a consequence of cards that were not received."