I am writing to ask for information regarding the application
process for an individual to become an accredited observer at
United Kingdom elections.
(http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/el...)

The application form, which contains a declaration requiring a
signature, states: "Each applicant must complete an application
form. The form must be accompanied by a digital photograph of the
applicant for use on an identification badge. Applicants will also
need to supply supporting photographic identification to the
Commission at the time of application which confirms their name and
age; this should be issued by a suitable government authority".

Could you please let me know:

i/ Your requirements relating to digital photographs; including on
what media you accept them.

ii/ Why you require a physically signed paper application form to
be completed, and why these requirements cannot be met by an
electronic declaration.

iii/ Why the form cannot be sent by post and a digital photograph
sent by email (or submitted online, or a link provided to an online
image)?

In relation to the photographic identification (confirming name and
age) which you require, could you please let me know:

i/ What forms of identification are acceptable to you.

ii/ If you require the original document(s), or if a photocopy will
suffice.

iii/ If the document has to be currently valid.

iv/ If you are willing to return identity documents using a
recorded delivery service.

I suggest this information would be useful to anyone considering
applying either in person or by post and could usefully be added to
your website.

--

Richard Taylor

Cambridge

http://www.rtaylor.co.uk

Dear Mr Taylor

Many thanks for your email. The information you require is in the public
domain and I am therefore treating your questions as general enquiries.

Set 1:

i) In general terms, we'll accept photographs on which the applicant
appears facing the camera. The photograph needs to be of sufficient
qualify so that when resized and printed on the observer identification
badge, the picture is still clear enough to allow for identification of
the individual. We accept digital images (eg JPEG, TIFF, BMP) either by
email, on a CD or other portable media device. We would potentially also
accept a link to an online image (though nobody has yet applied and
provided such a link!).

ii) The reason for the signature is that we are asking applicants to make
an important declaration that is a pre-condition for them
becoming accredited. This mirrors the requirement for a signature on a
number of forms relating to elections - including the rolling registration
form.

iii) see i) - this would be acceptable

Set 2:

i) a passport, driving licence or national identity card would satisfy the
requirement to supply photographic ID

ii) a copy is perfectly acceptable (as long as it is legible)

iii) no

iv) we recommend applicants send in a copy of their photographic
identification, instead of originals, and we have not had any instances of
applicants supplying any originals. We do not use a recorded delivery
service to administer our accreditation scheme.

Further information can be found under the "How to apply" section of
our observer pages at
[1]http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/el....

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Best wishes

Jennifer Martin-Kohlmorgen
Adviser (Electoral Practice)
The Electoral Commission
Trevelyan House
Great Peter Street
London SW1P 2HW
Tel: 020 7271 0698
Fax: 020 7271 0505
Textphone: 18001 020 7271 0698
www.electoralcommission.org.uk
www.aboutmyvote.co.uk

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