Election periods are some of the busiest times for local councils and other government organisations across the UK. From local district votes to national elections, every polling station and counting centre must be equipped with all the essentials to ensure the smooth running of the democratic process. That’s where election equipment hire becomes critical, providing everything from tables and chairs for polling stations to partition screens for voter privacy.
Whether you’re planning for local council elections, parliamentary votes or even a referendum, the need for reliable and high-quality election equipment rental cannot be overstated. Many venues used as polling stations are not equipped with the necessary furniture and equipment on a daily basis, making it essential to hire equipment for elections from trusted suppliers such as Event Hire UK. From school halls and community centres to more unconventional locations like hair salons, carpet shops (yes, you read it right!) and museums, the demand for furniture and accessories during elections is immense.
Polling stations are at the heart of the election process. These temporary setups require a range of furniture and equipment to create a professional and functional space. Councils across the country must hire furniture for polling stations, including trestle tables and chairs for both voters and staff. Staff members need comfortable and practical seating for their long shifts, while sturdy tables are essential for checking in voters and processing ballot papers.
Privacy is another crucial factor in polling stations. Partition screen hire for elections provides voters with a sense of security and confidentiality while casting their votes. At Event Hire UK, we offer freestanding screens that are 6ft tall, ensuring adequate privacy in any temporary polling station setup. These screens are lightweight, easy to assemble and perfect for creating individual voting booths.
And have you seen the latest craze for ‘dogs going to the polling stations’, with people taking snaps of their pooches outside their polling station – it all goes viral!
Managing footfall in polling stations is an important aspect of running an efficient election. Queue management barriers for elections are essential for maintaining order, especially during busy periods when voter turnout is high. Retractable barriers at the entrance help direct voters into the right lines and ensure an organised flow through the polling station.
It’s also important to consider accessibility. Councils need to ensure that venues are easily navigable for all voters, including those with mobility challenges. The right election equipment hire services can provide adaptable solutions to meet these requirements, from barrier layouts to spacious voting areas.
As soon as polling stations close, the action shifts to counting centres, where the votes are tallied to determine the election outcome. These venues – often large sports halls, community centres or school gyms – require a substantial amount of furniture to accommodate the counting process. Long rows of trestle tables are essential for the efficient handling and sorting of ballot papers.
Event Hire UK offers the largest stock of wooden and plastic trestle tables in the country, making it the go-to supplier for councils during election season. However, demand skyrockets as soon as election dates are announced, so securing your table hire for elections early is critical. Without adequate tables, the counting process can become chaotic and inefficient, delaying results and causing frustration for all involved.
Counting centres also require proper facilities for their staff, who often work through the night. Water boiler hire for elections, along with cups, saucers, milk jugs and other catering essentials, ensures that staff can stay refreshed and energised during long hours. This small but vital detail helps maintain productivity and morale in what is often a high-pressure environment.
One of the most important pieces of advice for councils and event organisers during election times, therefore, is to act quickly. Election equipment hire is in incredibly high demand, and the most sought-after items, such as trestle tables, chairs and partition screens, are often fully booked within days of an election announcement.
With its extensive stock and reliable service, Event Hire UK is well-equipped to meet this demand. However, even with the largest inventory in the UK, early booking is essential to secure the equipment you need. Whether you’re looking to hire chairs for elections or rent budget furniture for polling stations, planning ahead is the best way to ensure a smooth election process.
When it comes to election equipment hire, councils and organisers need a supplier they can trust. Event Hire UK has years of experience providing furniture and equipment for polling stations and counting centres across the country. What sets us apart is our ability to handle large-scale orders, even during peak demand. Our regional hubs ensure that no matter where your polling station or counting centre is located, you’ll receive a local service backed by national expertise.
So, for councils across the UK, the message is clear: don’t wait. Secure your election equipment rental early to avoid disappointment and ensure a seamless voting and counting process. We’re here to help on all the detail, and so don’t hesitate to browse our range and place your secure order with us when the time comes. We very much look forward to supplying your election equipment hire requirements next time!
