During the very early morning after the day before, I had the great pleasure of announcing the 2024 Election Result for the Bridgend Constituency, at Bridgend Sport Centre.
The High Sheriff is de facto the Returning Officer (Section 24 of the Representation of the People Act 1983) for Parliamentary Elections but due notice normally needs to be given, otherwise the borough council's Chief Executive will then usually undertake the task, as the Acting Returning Officer. I was pleased and privileged to exercise my right to undertake the role, as it gave me a unique insight into the enormous effort that goes into ensuring the smooth running of our democratic processes.
It is a long and tiring day. Polling stations open at 07:00hrs, close at 22:00hrs and then the work picks up speed.
Bringing the ballot boxes to Bridgend, checking the paperwork and the counting, the checking, discussions all have to take place before the declaration. It is certainly an immense team effort to ensure the choice of the people is carried out.
Thanks have to go to Bridgend County Borough Council's staff, the South Wales Constabulary, the polling station staff, Halo staff, the counters and everyone else who ensured the entire process ran smoothly.
Finally, thank you to all who voted and every candidate for giving like minded people a choice and a voice.