Polling Places and Polling Districts: Interim Review 2026
This review aims to update the polling district structure and designated polling stations, so that they reflect the potential changes around new and existing parish and town councils arising from the Community Governance Review, in readiness for future town and parish elections in May 2027.
The aim of this review is to ensure that:
- electors in the borough have reasonable facilities for voting as are practicable
- as far as is reasonable and practicable, the polling places are accessible to all electors having regard to the accessibility needs of disabled persons
As part of the review there will be a period of public consultation that runs between 7 August – 7 September.
The review does not cover ward or constituency boundaries or names, which are the responsibility of the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (wards) and the Boundary Commission for England (constituencies).
Reigate & Banstead residents and other interested bodies and organisations are invited to read the public consultation document and submit their comments, in relation to the size and boundaries of polling districts, and the location and suitability of polling places, with particular regard to access for residents with disabilities. Any person or body making a representation should where appropriate give alternative places that may be used as polling places.
Following the consultation period, a report will be published and presented to full Council for approval.
Timetable
| Timetable | Date |
|---|---|
| Notice of review | 6 August 2026 |
| (A)ROs initial proposals | 7 August 2026 |
| Consultation period | 7 August - 7 September 2026 |
| Consider responses | 8 September - 16 September 2026 |
| Prepare final proposals | 17 September 2026 |
| Council decision | 1 October 2026 |
| Conclude review | 27 November 2026 |
| Republish register | 1 December 2026 |
Consultation
Comments on the initial proposals may be submitted via email to elreg@reigate-banstead.gov.uk or by post to Electoral Services, Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, Town Hall, Castlefield Road, Reigate, Surrey RH2 0SH when the consultation opens on 6 August 2026.
Polling district, place and station: what they mean
What is a polling district?
A polling district is a geographical area created within the Parliamentary constituency, borough ward, county division and parish/town council boundaries.
What is a polling place?
A polling place is a geographical area in which a polling station is located. However, there is no legal definition of what a polling place is, the geographical area could be defined as tightly as a particular building or as widely as the entire polling district.
What is a polling station?
A polling station is the room or area within the polling place where voting takes place. Unlike polling districts and polling places which are fixed by the Local Authority, polling stations are chosen by the relevant Returning Officer for the election.