The electoral services team organises elections, including the administration of European, county council and parliamentary elections, as well as district and parish elections.

All this must be done inside the legislative framework and timetable set by government. It means organising polling stations, polling staff, the count venue, count staff, all postal votes and publicity of elections.

The electoral services team is also responsible for compiling the electoral register and making sure people are entitled to register to vote.

Annual canvass 2020

We must, by law, check the register of electors each year by sending a canvass communication form to every household in the council area. This is known as the annual canvass.

The electoral register is published each year on 1 December. If you are not on the electoral register you will lose your right to vote and it can affect your credit rating.

Where is my nearest polling station?

You can search for your nearest polling station ahead of any upcoming election by visiting the 'where do I vote?' website. You will also find this information on your poll card.

Who can I vote for?

Residents can find out who they can vote for in any upcoming election by visiting the 'who can I vote for?' website. 

Candidates standing in the election are encouraged to include information about themselves and what they stand for, to help residents make up their mind on who to vote for.