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News

New ballot papers being issued to postal voters after printing error

Published

on

ballotboxPOSTAL BALLOT PAPERS delivered to voters in three counties are being reprinted after the original papers provided misleading information to voters.

The error arose in respect of the ballots for the regional Assembly election, where voters vote for a party as opposed to a candidate and affects Ceredigion, Preseli Pembrokeshire and Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire.

Local returning officers have been ordered by Mark James CBE, the Regional Returning Officer, to reprint all postal ballots delivered thus far.

No other constituencies in the Region are affected.

In a letter to electoral agents for candidates, Mr James states that he discussed the situation with the Electoral Commission ‘at length’ and engaged the services of ‘the leading QC in the country’ to confirm that reissuing the ballot papers was necessary.

Mr James has blamed the mess up on ‘a most unfortunate error by the printers’

There is a clear expectation that voters who have already cast their postal ballots will return a second ballot paper or their votes will not be counted.

Bearing in mind the number of postal votes involved, the capacity for electoral chaos is significant, especially as those casting postal votes tend to be the more vulnerable members of society.

We spoke with William Powell, who is standing as both a constituency and list candidate, spoke with The Herald to express his concern at the effect of effectively scrapping thousands of ballot papers already delivered.

The incorrect grey paper currently reads:

Etholiad Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru

Papur pleidleisio i ethol Aelod Cynulliad ar

gyfer rhanbarth Canolfan a Gorllewin Cymru

National Assembly for Wales Election

Ballot paper to elect the Assembly Member

for the Mid & West Wales Region

Pleidleisiwch ar gyfer un ymgeisydd yn unig

trwy roi [X] yn y blwch ochr eich dewis

Vote for only one candidate by putting a

cross [X] in the box next to your choice

The correct wording for the statement, printed on the new ‘tan’ ballot papers, reads:

Etholiad Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru

Papur pleidleisio i ethol Aelod Cynulliad ar

gyfer rhanbarth Canolbarth a Gorllewin Cymru

National Assembly for Wales Election

Ballot paper to elect the Assembly Member

for the Mid & West Wales Region

Pleidleisiwch unwaith yn unig trwy roi croes [X]yn y blwch wrth ochr  eich dewis Vote only once by putting a cross [X] in the box next to your choice

The Herald contacted the Press Office at Carmarthenshire County Council but nobody was available to comment.

A statement from the Electoral Commission is expected shortly.

2 Comments

2 Comments

  1. Mark Evans

    April 20, 2016 at 6:14 pm

    dont blame the printers – they are working from the proof of work they were given

  2. tomos

    April 20, 2016 at 8:53 pm

    I’m certainly NOT complaining about James, guy in charge of ballots and carmarthenshire county council – last person who did that in her blog carmarthenplanning.blogspot is in danger of losing her home 🙁

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Community

Police assist as loose horses cause concern near Pembroke Leisure Centre

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A GROUP of loose horses caused alarm near Pembroke Leisure Centre on Sunday (March 30), prompting a police response and reigniting concerns over the ongoing issue of fly-grazing in Pembrokeshire.

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police attended the scene to ensure public safety and attempt to secure the animals, which had been spotted wandering in the area.

This latest incident comes amid growing frustrations over repeated occurrences of horses roaming freely on roads and public land, or on private land without the landowner’s permission.

The problem of fly-grazing—where horses are left to graze on land without consent—has become a serious issue across the county, with multiple cases reported in recent months including at St Daniels Hill in Pembroke. In that case, horses were eventually removed following a long struggle by landowner Paul Hay, who said the situation had caused significant distress and called for new legislation to protect the public.

Last month, one local resident reported her father suffered head injuries and wrote off his car after hitting a loose horse on the A477 in the dark. Despite the severity of the incident, no further police action was taken, fuelling anger among residents.

Fly grazing has become a huge problem in recent years, with a large increase in incidents in the last few months (Image: File)

County Councillor Jonathan Grimes has been liaising with local authorities and police in a bid to address the issue, while members of the public have also come forward to share experiences of property damage and road closures.

The Herald has contacted Dyfed-Powys Police for a statement about the latest incident.

Anyone with concerns about loose horses which may cause a danger to traffic or pedestrians can call the police on 101. In an emergency, always call 999.

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Community

Funeral arrangements confirmed for popular local entertainer, Matt Baker

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THE FUNERAL arrangements have been announced for Matt Baker, affectionately known as ‘Mr Good Times’ of Haverfordwest.

Matt passed away on March 15 aged 49. He was the much-loved son of Phyllis and stepson to Aad, and son to the late Paul. He was a devoted brother to Reuben, his wife Cath, and Simeon, and a beloved uncle to Aston, Dylan and Axel.

Matt was well known in the local community for his cheerful nature, positive outlook and ability to bring people together. His presence will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

His funeral service will take place on Saturday, April 12 at 11:00am at Pembrokeshire College Theatre. This will be followed by interment at Freystrop Cemetery.

Family flowers only. Donations in memory of Matt, in aid of mental health causes, can be made via a donation box at the wake following the interment.

All enquiries should be directed to Roy Folland & Son Funeral Directors on (01437) 763821.

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Charity

Emergency services unite for charity at Pembroke Dock Fire Station

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A CHARITY car wash at Pembroke Dock Fire Station drew crowds on Saturday (Mar 29), raising money in support of The Firefighters Charity.

The event, organised by Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, ran from 10:00am to 4:00pm and saw a steady stream of local residents turning out to support the cause. Visitors were able to get their vehicles washed by firefighters, with all proceeds going towards helping fire service personnel and their families.

Among those showing support were local police officers, with PCSOs 8020 and 8112 from Pembroke Dock and Pembroke Police making an appearance. The officers not only lent their encouragement to their emergency service colleagues but also had their police vehicle given a good hosing down.

“It was very busy with lots of local people supporting such a good cause,” a police spokesperson said. “Well done to Phil and the team, and a special thank you for hosing down our police vehicle whilst we were there.”

The event highlighted the strong sense of camaraderie between emergency services in the area and the ongoing support from the community for their efforts.

For more information on future events and ways to support The Firefighters Charity, visit tancgc.gov.uk or mawwfire.gov.uk.

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