Returning officer and electoral registration officer

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Returning officer

The returning officer (RO) is the person who has overall responsibility for the conduct of any elections held within the Royal Borough. They are an officer of the council who is appointed under the Representation of the People Act 1983.  Although they are appointed by the council, the role is one of a personal nature and distinct and separate from their duties as an employee of the council.

Their responsibilities are:

• the nomination process for candidates and political parties.
• provision and notification of polling stations.
• appointment of presiding officers and polling clerks.
• appropriate administration and security of polling stations.
• preparation of all ballot papers.
• the actual count and declaration of results.
• issue, receipt and counting of postal ballot papers.
• receiving all candidates' election expenses returns.
• presentation of final accounts.
• reclamation of funding from external bodies as prescribed.

Electoral registration officer

The electoral registration officer (ERO) has a duty to maintain a list of UK Parliamentary and local government electors. In essence, the ERO is responsible for the publication and maintenance of the Register of Electors and for facilitating the voter registration process.