Frequently asked questions

1. How long has the Association provided ballot services?

The Association as a company is growing dynamically, providing ballot services for 8 years. Our Consultants have a wealth of experience, some of them over 30 years organising and conducting ballots.


2. How widely recognised is the Association within the UK?

The Association is a key player in the electoral field being recognised by the Electoral Commission and Ministry of Justice as experts in all electoral matters. We are fast becoming known to the wider public sector and also the private sector through our continued success in organising ballots and providing consultancy services. All of the Association’s staff have electoral backgrounds and are very experienced and knowledgeable in this field.


3. Legislative and individual requirements vary from one ballot to another. Can the Association provide the expertise to interpret the individual needs of each organisation?

The Association has experience of ballots from Trade Unions to the NHS to private companies. It is our ability to be able to interpret the needs of each individual client that make us the company of choice.


4. How does the Association conduct its ballots?

All ballots are project managed by Association staff, who all have many years election experience under the direct supervision of the Association’s appointed Returning Officer, who is responsible for the conduct of all ballots organised by the Association.


To enhance the level of service that we provide, the Association has entered into a partnership working arrangement with the Sunderland City Council Electoral Services team to print, issue and count ballot papers ensuring the complete independence and level of experience that we demand of our partners is maintained.

The Association is developing and enhancing the level of partnership working, drawing on the experience of our members throughout the UK so that we can continue to offer a level of expertise to our clients, that cannot be matched in the electoral arena.

We believe that partnership working helps to enhance the service we provide by drawing on the experiences of our partners in the field, so that we can apply this to our working practices and also the advice and services that we offer.


5. Do you have control of the whole balloting process?

Yes, the whole process from artwork to the count is managed by our dedicated elections team. This ensures the security and integrity of the process and guarantees that all deadlines are met.


6. How are ballot papers issued?

All ballot papers are issued and mailed by the elections team under the direction of our Executive Director (Commercial).


7. How is counting conducted?

Counting is conducted by our elections team who are responsible for the receipt and secure storage of all returned ballot papers to be processed at the count. A manual counting process is undertaken with the result being verified by our own certified software.


8. Who are your consultants?

Our consultants are drawn from people who have vast experience in the electoral field. Many of them are ex employees of local government electoral offices. Many of them are still active officers. All have many years experience with reputations for being highly effective and knowledgeable. All of the Association’s staff have election backgrounds. This adds to our suitablilty to conduct ballots and provide the services we do at a level that no one else can.


9. How much do you charge for your services?

The charges will depend on each individual enquiry but we are happy to provide a comprehensive no obligation quote on demand. You can request this by completing the enquiry form here. We offer very competitive rates and all can be negotiated.


10. Why should we use the Association to conduct our election?

Any election must not only be conducted fairly, it must be seen to be fair. This perception can be enhanced by the appointment of an independent scrutineer or returning officer.

The Association has been recognised as such and is specified in Acts of Parliament as an independent scrutineer for conducting statutory trade union elections.

For more information about the Association in general, please visit our website – www.aea-elections.co.uk

For further information on our services, please contact:-

Gina Armstrong
AEA - Association of Electoral Administrators Returning Officer

PO Box 201
South Eastern
Liverpool L16 5HH

Tel: 0151 281 8246