Many thanks for your feedback. We will be reviewing our Code of Practice before the end of the year and we will consider all submissions when revising it.

I have to point out that while some of the questions Richard made in his request were helpful, others are clearly indicated by the Electoral Commission in their fairly short, well written and easy to find documentation. Being aware of the published situation before asking a question would be more than a little sensible. I’m also a little surprised by the need to use FoIA for this request given it’s all pretty standard stuff and the people at the Electoral Commission are generally incredibly helpful (including Jennifer whom I’ve dealt with a few times).

I have to disagree strongly with Richard’s annotation comment that the declaration is “a lot to sign away”. You’re signing up as an observer, to observe. There are already plenty of options if your goal is to debate or contribute, most of which do not rely on signing anything.

I found the electoral commission’s guidance, checklist and application form internally inconsistent. I was unsure how the hard copy and digital photo were to be submitted at the same time. I had read their guidance and application form prior to making my request. I accept I ought to have also read their checklist, I did not, I did not expect that to contain the information it does.

I do not think it was inappropriate to ask for this information via an FOI request. I do not believe there ought be any difference between a “routine” request for information and an FOI request. A FOI request does not have to cite the act, all requests for information ought be dealt with according to its provisions.

One reason for my approach was an assumption that the Electoral Commission would very precisely adhere to its guidelines and procedures. Their registration of an individual for a period other than “to the end of the year” is a clear indication they do not and are in fact are more flexible than their published information indicates.

I believe it is important for official organisations to publish details of where flexibility exists in order to remove any appearance of (or actual) special treatment of particular people.