Enfield Council is set to trial the Modern Democracy Polling App in the 2026 local elections, aiming to modernise the voting process, improve voter experience and cut costs.
The council is considering a recommendation to test the app in one polling station per ward at the Local Elections in May 2026, with the goal of full deployment of digital equipment and software at all 131 polling stations thereafter. The primary objectives are to support new requirements under the Elections Act 2022, automate polling day processes, and improve voter experience, according to the polling place review and modern polling app report.
The Modern Democracy Polling App aims to introduce automation and digitisation into polling day processes. The report pack stated that the primary aims of introducing technology into the polling stations were to support the implementation of new requirements under the Elections Act 2022, introduce automation and digitisation into polling day processes, and improve and standardise the experience for voters.
To ensure a smooth transition, all polling staff, including core election personnel, will receive comprehensive training which will include practical exercises. A dedicated support team will be available to assist staff with the use of tablets and the associated app. In addition, technical support from Modern Democracy will be accessible during and after polling hours to promptly address any issues that may arise.
The report pack stated that the estimated cost of staffing the May 2026 elections based on current staffing levels was £163,230.34, and that revised staffing levels using the Modern Polling app would reduce the cost to £126,548.60, delivering an estimated saving of £36,681.74. The report pack also stated that the total in house cost saving of printing would be £1,173.80 if the app was used.
