Everton ballot paper 'mix-up' claim

Aug 8 2007 by Liam Murphy, Liverpool Daily Post

An external image of what Everton's new stadium could look like

A BALLOT to see if Everton supporters would be happy for the club to move to Kirkby is flawed according to one of its leading opponents.

But the club says they are aware of the problem which only affects a tiny proportion of those eligible to vote.

Dave Kelly of Keep Everton in Our City (KEIOC) says he has received two ballot papers and believes many others have as well.

The club wants to know if supporters will accept what Everton’s chief executive Keith Wyness has called the “deal of the century” to move out of the city and go to neighbouring Knowsley.

Anything above 50% of the vote will decide the matter either way.

Last night Mr Kelly said that as spokesman of the campaign opposing the proposed move, he was “probably the last one they would want to get two votes”.

He said he had received two ballot papers and added: “I’m a shareholder and also a season ticket holder and that is probably why I got two.

“This calls into question the whole validity of this ballot.”

Ian Ross, spokesman for the club, said the problem occurred because 380 season tickets holders are also shareholders.

He said: “We are aware of the problem and have been talking to the Electoral Reform Society who say this is not unusual.”