'Wombridge not Wombourne!' Polling cards to be reprinted after mistake ahead of Telford by-election
Polling cards for a Telford by-election are being reprinted after they gave the name of the wrong council ward.
The Oakengates Town Council by-election, which is for the Oakengates and Wombridge Ward, is due to take place on Thursday, November 20.
The election comes after the death of long-serving councillor Ernie Dabbs on August 17.
The town council would have been allowed to co-opt a new councillor without a vote, but enough members of the public submitted requests, meaning a full by-election was called.
But it has now emerged that polling cards sent out to voters in the ward were printed with the wrong details.
Jean Kenny, who has lived in the parish for more than 50 years, said her polling card had arrived bearing the words 'Oakengates and Wombourne' ward - and not 'Oakengates and Wombridge' as is the correct name of the ward.
She said she had raised the issue with the council to ensure the election is valid.
She said: "When I go in and put my little x I want to make sure it is a valid vote."
Now Telford & Wrekin Council, which is administrating the by-election, has confirmed that cards are being re-printed and sent to residents - although it added that the cards are not a requirement to vote.
A Telford & Wrekin Council spokesman said: “A printing error means that some polling cards for the forthcoming Oakengates Town Council by-election have incorrect ward details for the Oakengates and Wombridge ward.
"Whilst a poll card is not needed to vote, replacement polling cards, with the correct details for Oakengates and Wombridge Ward, are being sent out as a matter of urgency.
“Voters are reminded that appropriate photo ID is required when voting at a polling station and information on what ID can be used is available on the Electoral Commission’s website Accepted forms of photo ID | Electoral Commission.”
The village of Wombourne, in South Staffordshire, lies about 15 miles southeast of Wombridge as the crow flies.
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