Paddy Leonard, 11 May
A record number of council authorities across England and Wales adopted
digital check-in and voter verification at the local government
elections as market-leading provider Modern Democracy rolled its
platform out to an electorate of more than 4.5 million. The company’s
cloud-based solution Modern Polling facilitated seamless voter
processing at a record 3,240 polling stations spanning 47 council
areas. Pictured from left, Modern Democracy Director of Strategy
Ann-Marie Slavin and CEO Siobhan Donaghy.
Derry-based company Modern Democracy is forecasting further growth
ahead of the General Election after its digital check-in and voter
verification technology helped deliver record-breaking local government
elections in England and Wales.
Greater numbers of council authorities adopted the solution on the 2nd
of May elections than ever before as market-leading provider Modern
Democracy rolled its platform out to an electorate of more than 4.5
million.
The company’s cloud-based solution Modern Polling facilitated seamless
voter processing at a record 3,240 polling stations spanning 47 council
areas.
Rather than the traditional pen and paper method, voters arriving at
polling stations using Modern Polling were checked in and had their
Voter ID verified by staff via iPad by scanning a QR code on their poll
card.
It meant fewer election staff were required and the waiting times to
vote were significantly reduced.
Based at Catalyst’s Innovation Centre in Derry, Modern Democracy is
this year marking its 10th anniversary.
Siobhan Donaghy, CEO of Modern Democracy said: "These local government
elections confirm that digital check and voter verification is now
becoming the de-facto standard at council authorities across Great
Britain.
“The widespread adoption of our electronic poll-book platform proves
its impact on a significant scale and underscores its pivotal role in
modernising electoral procedures as councils continue their digital
transformation journey.
“Recent clarification from the government that Returning Officers are
now able to claim back the expense of implementing the technology is
also fuelling a surge in demand.
“With a General Election on the horizon, we are experiencing an
exponential rise in interest from local authorities seeking to
digitalise their election day, and we’re expanding in response as we
grow our sales and services teams to meet the increased requirement.”
The system enabled smooth voter processing for local authorities some
of which dealing with up to four different elections in one day,
including Parish, Local, Mayoral and the Police and Crime
Commissioners.
A staggering 4,000 secure iPads were deployed for the implementation of
Modern Polling, solidifying its status as the preferred polling day
partner for election administrators seeking greater operation and
financial efficiencies.
The solution has been developed over the past decade in collaboration
with Modern Democracy’s customers, alongside ongoing investment in the
company and recruitment.
Ann-Marie Slavin, Director of Strategy, Modern Democracy added: “As a
company, we pride ourselves on the relationships we have built with our
customers who trust us to help them deliver stress-free elections.
Modern Polling has been designed for, and with, them as we listen to
local authorities and other stakeholders on how we can continually
improve the platform.
“Our growing team is committed to providing the very best levels of
service, and thanks go to them for their efforts in delivering a
record-breaking election day.”
An Electoral Commission survey of election staff carried out at last
year’s local government elections found that 86% of those using tablets
to check voters in found the process easier than traditional method.
Additional features of Modern Polling include real-time analytics
throughout polling day while it also allows for the instant generation
of all post-election reports at the close of polls.
Visit www.moderndemocracy.com for more information.