All local authorities must review their polling districts, places and stations that are used for Parliamentary Elections. A review must be completed at least once every 4 years.
The Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013 introduced the timing of the compulsory review period, the current review period ended on 31 January 2020, the next review period starts in October 2023.
What has to be done?
During the review the council must:
- seek to ensure that all electors in the constituency have reasonable facilities for voting as are practicable in the circumstances; and
- seek to ensure that so far as is reasonable and practicable every polling place for which is is responsible is accessible to electors who are disabled.
The review does not include:
- the changing of District, Parish, County and Parliamentary boundary governed by the Local Government Boundary Commission; or
- the changing of polling districts in areas which are also aligned with parish boundaries.
When is the review taking place?
The most recent review, conducted by Folkestone & Hythe District Council started on Wednesday 03 July 2019. The UK Parliamentary General Election has meant that any changes as a result of this review will be implemented at the alteration of the register in February 2020.
The next review is due to begin on 02 October 2023 with a consultation running for 6 weeks and ending on 17 November 2023.
How can you take part?
An online form will be made live on the website on the 02 October 2023. Written representations will also be accepted via a letter, email or the form held at the Civic Centre.