Newcastle Election Complaints Raised Over Polling Station Tellers During Local Elections

Newcastle’s local elections have seen a number of complaints raised over the conduct of tellers outside polling stations, prompting officials to issue a reminder to candidates and election agents across the city about the rules governing election day activity.

As voters headed to the polls across Newcastle today, concerns were reported regarding the behaviour of some tellers stationed outside polling places. The complaints centred around allegations that certain tellers appeared “intimidating” to voters and were requesting information they are not legally entitled to receive.

In response, election officials circulated fresh guidance to all candidates and election agents reminding them of the Electoral Commission’s rules surrounding tellers and their conduct at polling stations.

Tellers are volunteers used by political parties and campaign groups to record elector numbers of people who have voted. Campaign teams then use the information to identify supporters who have not yet cast their ballot and encourage them to vote before polls close.

However, officials stressed that tellers have “no legal status” and members of the public are under no obligation to speak to them or provide any information.

The guidance issued during polling day stated: “Please remind tellers at polling stations to be mindful of their roles and responsibilities. We have received reports indicating that some tellers may come across as intimidating and are asking for information that they are not entitled to receive.”

Election officials reiterated that the Returning Officer is responsible for overseeing the conduct of elections within the local authority area and has powers to intervene if concerns arise over the behaviour of tellers outside polling stations.

The statement added: “If the Returning Officer is concerned by the activities of tellers, they can ask tellers to comply with agreed behaviour or leave the polling place.”

The Electoral Commission has long maintained detailed guidance for tellers, outlining what is and is not acceptable during elections. Tellers are permitted to politely ask voters for limited information, including:

Their elector number from their polling card
Whether they have voted yet
Whether they require assistance finding the polling station
General campaign-related questions away from the polling station itself

However, voters are entirely free to refuse to answer any questions and can walk past tellers without speaking to them.

Tellers are not permitted to:

Demand personal information
Ask who somebody voted for
Obstruct access to polling stations
Enter polling stations unless voting themselves
Handle ballot papers
Pressure or intimidate voters
Continue questioning voters who have declined to engage

The reminder comes amid a closely watched set of local elections across Newcastle, where all council seats are being contested following boundary changes and a city-wide all-out election.

Independent candidates have been standing in several wards across the city, alongside candidates from Labour, the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Greens and Reform UK. Polling stations remained open until 10pm, with turnout expected to become clearer later this evening as ballot boxes are transported to the count.

While the complaints reported today have not resulted in any formal allegations of electoral fraud or criminal wrongdoing, officials said it was important to ensure voters feel comfortable and confident when attending polling stations.

One voter in the west end of the city said they felt “pressured” after being repeatedly approached outside a polling station, while another described some tellers as “too persistent” in asking for polling numbers. Others, however, said their experiences at polling stations had been calm and straightforward.

Election experts note that tellers are a long-established feature of British elections and are commonly used by most major parties. Their role is intended to assist campaigns in identifying supporters who may still need encouraging to vote later in the day.

The Electoral Commission’s guidance seeks to balance that campaigning activity with ensuring polling stations remain neutral and accessible environments for voters.

Under electoral law, campaigning is not permitted inside polling stations themselves, and strict rules exist governing conduct in and around polling places. Polling station staff and presiding officers can raise concerns with the Returning Officer if campaigners breach guidance or disrupt the voting process.

The guidance circulated today also reminded candidates that local Returning Officers may issue their own additional instructions for tellers depending on local circumstances.

Across Newcastle, polling day otherwise appeared to proceed without major disruption, with voters attending schools, community centres and church halls across the city to cast their ballots.

Counts are expected to begin overnight, with results anticipated through the early hours and into Friday morning.

Today’s complaints, while relatively limited in scale, have highlighted the fine line campaigners must walk between legitimate voter engagement and behaviour that risks making electors feel uncomfortable as they exercise their democratic right.

Election officials urged all parties and campaign teams to ensure their volunteers remain respectful, professional and compliant with Electoral Commission guidance throughout the remainder of polling day.