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You are here: Home > Council and democracy > Voting and elections > Borough Council Elections FAQs

Borough Council Elections Frequently Asked Questions

This page explains things like registration, postal voting and voting times

1. I am not on the Register and I want to vote

Electors are normally added to the Register of Electors on a monthly basis. However, at the time of an Election, applications received up to the eleventh working day before the Election can be added to the register and vote in the Election. Therefore, applications received by 16 April 2008 will be added to the register and people will be able to vote on 1 May 2008.

2. I pay my Council Tax, so my name should be on the Register

The information cannot be transferred from Council Tax records as the qualification to register is not dependent on responsibility for Council Tax payment [for example Foreign Nationals have to pay Council Tax but may not be entitled to vote].

The Council undertakes an annual postal canvass to ascertain names of those entitled to register and sends voter registration forms to all new residents with new Council Tax accounts.

3. Before I moved to my new address I lived at... can I still vote using that address?

• if the address is within the Borough you may vote at the polling station covering your old address or apply for a postal or proxy vote
• if the address is outside the Borough you might wish to apply for a postal or proxy vote. It should also be noted that not all Local Authorities are having elections this year         
• download a form to  Application to vote by post (PDF opens in new window) (31.2kB)
• download a  Proxy Application Form (PDF opens in new window) (76.1kB).

4. I have not received a poll card for this election

Poll cards were dispatched by second-class mail on 3 April. If you have not received a poll card within a few days of this date contact our Help Line to check if you are on the Register of Electors. You do not need a poll card in order to vote. If you are not registered you will not be able to vote at the elections.

• Register by filling in the  Register of Electors form (PDF opens in new window) (95.2kB).

5. My son or daughter is at University, where can they vote at this election?

Provided both addresses are not within the same Local Authority area they can vote in respect of both addresses. It is an offence to vote more than once in the same election.

6. Can I have a postal or proxy vote?

Yes if you are on the Register of Electors and you apply by the deadlines.

7. What are the closing dates to apply for a postal or proxy vote?

Proxy

• closing date for proxy votes is 5pm on 23 April 2008
• download a  Proxy Application Form (PDF opens in new window) (76.1kB)

Postal

• closing date for postal votes is 16 April 2008   
• download a form to  Application to vote by post (PDF opens in new window) (31.2kB).

8. When will I get my postal vote?

The postal votes are due to be sent out by First Class post on Monday, 21 April 2008.

9. I cannot get to the polling station, can someone vote on my behalf?

You can apply for a proxy vote to enable someone to go to the polling station and vote on your behalf. The person appointed will receive a letter setting out details of your polling station etc.

•  download a (26.1kB) Proxy Application Form (PDF opens in new window) (76.1kB).  (26.1kB)

10. Can you please tell me the location of my polling station?

This information is on your poll card but if you do not have a poll card please contact our Help Line on 01737 276000.

11. I have had no details of candidates for this election

These are available on the Elections 2008 page.

12. What are the voting hours?

The hours of poll will be 7am–10pm.

13. I have not yet received my postal vote.

Please contact our Help Line on 01737 276000. Replacements may be issued in certain circumstances at the Town Hall and subject to providing proof of identity.