NEWS RELEASES
Interesting turnout
15th June 2004
THERE was an interesting turnout at the election count in Horsham on Thursday (10 June).
Amidst the hustle and bustle of the Horsham District’s verification count for the European Elections and a by-election for Roffey in Horsham, a 13 year old student turned up unexpectedly to find out what was going on.
Public entry is normally restricted to election counts but an exception was made on this occasion to allow the young enquirer to find out more.
Karina Foster from Horsham asked her mother to bring her along and at 10.30pm that night they were both being given a bird’s eye view and explanation of the proceedings from the press gallery at the counting hall in Horsham’s Drill Hall.
“I wanted to come and see what was going on because not many people see this and I had heard it was very exciting,” said Karina.
“I found it really interesting and it seemed so big and well organised, with so many ballot boxes; it must have taken ages to plan.”
Hilary Foster, Karina’s mother, added:
“I think it’s really important to let the younger generation see what democracy is all about.
“Many people don’t vote and, if you think about it, others have died for us in the past to allow this.”
Local Returning Officer and Chief Executive of Horsham District Council, Martin Pearson, added:
“Access to election counts is strictly controlled for security reasons and we cannot normally admit people who just turn up to see what is happening.
“However, on this occasion, there was room and we decided to reward Karina's initiative and let her see how a count takes place."
As if this was not keen enough, on leaving the count, Karina, who goes to Millais School in Horsham, said she was going home to finish her homework.
Ends
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