Review of Polling Arrangements 2011
We have a duty under the Representation of the People Act
1983 to divide our area into polling districts, to designate a
polling place for each district and to keep these arrangements
under review. A polling district is a geographical
sub-division of a constituency or ward and a polling
place is the area or building where a polling station is
located. A polling station is the actual area
where voting takes place.
We normally review polling arrangements in those wards
having local elections in the following May. The Electoral
Administration Act 2006 introduced a number of changes to the way
reviews must be carried out. The main change is that Councils must
conduct a full review of all parliamentary polling districts and
places by the end of 2007 and then every four years. This does not
prevent changes being made at any other time. The arrangements made
for parliamentary elections are also used at other elections.
We must make sure that electors have reasonable
facilities for voting and that polling places are as accessible as
possible. When considering the designation of a polling place we
must also consider:
- The accessibility needs of disabled voters,
- suitable parking arrangements,
- facilities for the staff on duty,
- and, where there is a choice of venues, the cost.
How the review is conducted
In general terms, we announce that a review is to take
place. You can download a copy of the notice we publish below.
We invite comments from interested parties and consult the
Returning Officer of all constituencies in our area, who make
representations on existing and proposed arrangements. We then
publish the Returning Officers’ proposals. These are considered
together with all other representations before final decisions are
made.
The consultation must actively seek comments from people who
have particular expertise in relation to access to premises or
facilities for persons who have different forms of disability. Any
elector may make representations and, although not required by law,
the consultation will include local political parties and elected
representatives.
Review Outcome
The Review has now been completed and a copy of the Report which
was submitted to the City Council for consideration, which includes
as appendices copies of correspondence received, together with the
minutes of the Council meeting are available to download from the
list below.
Further information about the review can be obtained from
Electoral Services at the Civic Centre, telephone 01228
817555
All documents, correspondence, comments and minutes of
meetings relating to the review will be available for public
inspection on completion of the review.