Behind the Scenes: KWL’s Crucial Role in Hull’s Election Logistics

When election season rolls around in Hull, there’s a team of unsung heroes working tirelessly to ensure everything runs smoothly. This operation is a collaborative effort, with KWL working alongside Hull City Council and other partners to deliver the intricate logistics of both local and general elections. This year, our team was called upon not once, but twice, as we rapidly turned around equipment for back-to-back electoral events.

Lee: The Maestro of Election Setup

Leading this orchestrated effort from KWL’s perspective is Lee, a Senior Supervisor. A skilled joiner by trade with a decade of experience at KWL, Lee has become KWL’s go-to expert for transforming Hull’s community spaces into fully-functional polling stations.

The Mammoth Task

Following extensive planning and preparations by all involved, KWL’s part in facilitating the election preparations out in the community is a logistical marvel with the latest election requiring:

  • 95 Polling Stations: Spread across the city, each with unique requirements
  • 5-Day Sprint: From planning to execution, the team works on a tight schedule
  • 3 Days of Setup: A whirlwind of deliveries and installations
  • 2 Days of Takedown: Efficiently clearing sites post-election
  • And then the KWL Crew: A dedicated team of KWL employees

Equipment

The sheer volume of items KWL organises is impressive with; polling booths, signage, tables and chairs, ramps for accessibility, kettles and bottled water (because democracy is thirsty work!)

Attention to Detail

KWL takes a meticulous approach to help the process:

  • Annual equipment maintenance: Washing, appliance testing, and careful storage
  • Customised setups: Tailoring each polling station to its specific needs
  • Portacabin installations: Complete with flagstone fitting (in collaboration with street scene teams)

Preparation for the Next Election

While elections might seem like occasional events, for the many people involved, including KWL and Hull City Council, it’s a much more complex process than many may think. The team carefully stores and maintains all equipment throughout the year, ensuring it’s ready at short notice for the next democratic exercise.

As part of the wider project arrangements, Lee and his team at KWL exemplify the often-overlooked but absolutely essential behind-the-scenes work that keeps our democratic processes running smoothly. Their dedication, in collaboration with Hull City Council, ensures that when Hull’s citizens step into a polling booth, they can focus on their civic duty without a second thought to the complex logistics that made it all possible.