As the UK gears up for another election week, millions of ballots will be cast, votes will be counted, and a mountain of paperwork will be generated. But what happens to all that paper after the votes are in?
In today’s digital age, data security is paramount. This extends far beyond the online world and applies very much to physical documents as well. With the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in effect, ensuring the secure disposal of election-related paperwork is not just good practice, it’s a legal requirement.
Think about the sheer volume of paper used in an election:
- Ballot cards
- Registration forms
- Polling station records
- Marketing materials
- Manifestos and campaign literature
- Each piece of paper likely contains sensitive personal data, like names, addresses, and even national insurance numbers. In the wrong hands, this data could be used for identity theft, fraud, or even targeted marketing campaigns.

The GDPR and Secure Disposal
The GDPR outlines strict guidelines for how organisations must handle and dispose of personal data. This applies to both electronic and physical data.
Here’s how Restore Datashred can help:
- Secure Shredding: Our secure shredding process ensures that all election paperwork is destroyed completely, rendering any personal data unreadable and irretrievable.
- Audit Trail: We provide a complete audit trail for all shredding jobs, giving you peace of mind that your data has been disposed of securely and compliantly.
- Certificate of Destruction: Upon completion, you’ll receive a certificate of destruction as proof that your data has been handled according to GDPR regulations
Protecting Your Vote, Protecting Your Data
A secure election is not just about counting votes; it’s about protecting the privacy of those who cast them. By ensuring the secure disposal of all election-related paperwork, you’re not just following the law, you’re helping to safeguard the integrity of the democratic process.
Restore Datashred: Your Partner in Data Security
At Restore Datashred, we take data security seriously. We offer a range of secure shredding services to help organisations of all sizes comply with GDPR regulations.

Earn your ‘green cred’ with us!
Don’t be green with envy at other businesses’ sustainable credentials, get in touch with one of our knowledgeable, professional customer service team. They will explain how having all your obsolete paper documents securely shredded could be one of the quickest ways of enhancing your ‘green cred’ yet.