Detailed Ballot information

Summary

The requester asked for a detailed breakdown of 2016 House of Keys election results showing ballots cast for each distinct combination of candidates. The Cabinet Office responded that this specific information is not held, though they suggested it could be considered in future post-election reviews.

Key Facts

• The Cabinet Office does not hold the requested breakdown of 2016 election ballots by candidate combination.
• The request was received on 17 September 2021 and responded to on 28 September 2021.
• The authority suggested the requested data format could be considered during the post-election review process.
• A link to general election results was provided as an alternative resource.
• The requester was informed of their right to an internal review and appeal to the Information Commissioner.

Data Disclosed

• 2016
• 17 September 2021
• 28 September 2021
• 1997706
• Section 15
• Freedom of Information Act 2015

Original Request

Hi Is it possible to get a breakdown of House of Keys election results for 2016 where the number of ballots cast for each distinct combination of candidates is recorded? If this is not recorded would it be possible to in future? I believe this would be useful both for voters and candidates running for office and would make the election results more transparent.

Data Tables (5)

Full Response Text

Government Office Douglas Isle of Man IM1 3PN Telephone: (+44) 01624 686244 Website: www.gov.im/co

Our ref: 1997706 28 September 2021

Dear ###

We write further to your request which was received on 17 September 2021 and which states:

"Hi Is it possible to get a breakdown of House of Keys election results for 2016 where the number of ballots cast for each distinct combination of candidates is recorded? If this is not recorded would it be possible to in future? I believe this would be useful both for voters and candidates running for office and would make the election results more transparent."

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the Cabinet Office does not hold the information that you have requested.

The information held is not broken down as per your request, however, in the interest of providing advice and assistance, under Section 15 of the Act, you may find the following online link useful: https://www.gov.im/categories/home-and- neighbourhood/elections-and-voting/election-results/. The requested information that is not held can be considered as part of the post- election review process. Please quote the reference number 1997706 in any future communications.

Your right to request a review

If you are unhappy with this response to your freedom of information request, you may ask us to carry out an internal review of the response, by completing a complaint form and submitting it electronically or by delivery/post.

An electronic version of our complaint form can be found by going to our website at https://services.gov.im/freedom-of-information/Review . If you would like a paper version of our complaint form to be sent to you by post, please contact me and I will be happy to arrange for this. Your review request should explain why you are dissatisfied with this response, and should be made as soon as practicable. We will respond as soon as the review has been concluded.

If you are not satisfied with the result of the review, you then have the right to appeal to the Information Commissioner for a decision on; 1. Whether we have responded to your request for information in accordance with Part 2 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015; or 2. Whether we are justified in refusing to give you the information requested.
In response to an application for review, the Information Commissioner may, at any time, attempt to resolve a matter by negotiation, conciliation, mediation or another form of alternative dispute resolution and will have regard to any outcome of this in making any subsequent decision. More detailed information on your right to a review can be found on the Information Commissioner’s website at www.inforights.im. Should you have any queries concerning this letter, please do not hesitate to contact me. Further information about freedom of information requests can be found at www.gov.im/foi. I will now close your request as of this date.

Yours sincerely