In February 2003, I asked on this list for any comments about implementing
the new arrangements for Registers of Electors. I received several
helpful replies, but it seemed that there were a number of areas where
there was still a great deal of uncertainty.
Some archivists may well be familiar with the suggested guidelines poster on
the CILIP website at
http://www.cilip.org.uk/committees/laca/elecregsposter.pdf . This is what
we have been following in recent months. Offline, I received a very useful
response from a library representative, explaining more fully the original
thinking behind the poster, whilst at the same time acknowledging that other
views and other practices would still be found.
Are we any further forward yet? One issue still causing concern in this
part of the country is whether recent (e.g. 1990s) registers of electors
should ever be photocopied. How have other record offices been handling
this? Do they have any concerns - and if so, are they based on issues of
copyright or on issues of data protection (or possibly both)?
I wonder which of the following statements comes closest to the view of
other readers of this list.
1 The law is clear enough - there is no really no problem about continuing
to photocopy short portions of registers of electors up to 2001. [How
short?]
2 The law is clear enough - any registers containing the names of persons
likely to be still living should not be photocopied. Record offices and
libraries which act otherwise are placing themselves, and possibly their
individual staff members, at significant risk of litigation.
3 The law is now a complete mess. Until there is further guidance or case
law, it is up to individual services as to whether they wish to take a
calculated risk over the issue of photocopying.
4 Record offices and libraries should seek guidance from their local
Electoral Registration Officers as to the extent to which photocopying is
permitted by individual district authorities.
Any comments welcome - either on or off the list.
Aidan Jones,
Cumbria Record Office & Local Studies Library, Barrow-in-Furness.
|