The Election Process

Elections can occur for a variety of reasons, resignations, death of a councillor, disqualification from office or the periodic full election of the whole council.

The table below details the types of elections that occur.

Elections are called by the governing body at the time. When full elections are called information is sent to all Parish Clerks for them to display within their Parish. This gives details of the timetable and who you need to contact in order to obtain nomination papers to stand as a candidate. The same happens for By-elections but on a smaller scale. Potential candidates must follow the nomination process. Upon completion of the nomination period a list is published showing whether there will be an election and who the candidates are. From this point on candidates carry out promotional activities to let the public know how they will be represented if they are elected. Once polling day arrives the public attend polling stations to cast their votes. The vote is completed in utmost secrecy. On the close of the poll the votes are counted and the successful candidates announced.

Behind the scenes, the Elections Office is dealing with the booking and preparation of polling stations and equipment, staffing, counting details, poll card production, ballot paper production, nomination papers, absent voting and press coverage. The actual polling day itself is a culmination of approximately a year's preparation and it doesn't stop there. There is still lots to do after the election before the next one is called.