Review of Polling Districts and Polling Places 2008
Introduction
North Devon Council are conducting a review of Polling Places and would welcome representations from any elector or body within our boundary. The authority would welcome any person or body with expertise in access for persons with any type of disability to make a representation or to comment on the authorities proposals, the Returning Officer’s representation or any other matter. Any such persons or bodies making representations should, if possible, give alternative places that may be use as polling places.
The Official Notice of the Review
ELECTORAL ADMINISTRATION ACT 2006 - The Review of Polling Districts and Polling Places (Parliamentary Elections) 2006
I hereby give notice that a review will by held, commencing with the date of this notice, with regard to the above regulations.
Any person or organisation wishing to make a representation in respect of the arrangement of polling districts and polling places within the boundary of North Devon Council; or concerning the accessibility of polling stations, must write to:
Mr Don Pratt
Introduction
North Devon Council are conducting a review of Polling Places and would welcome representations from any elector or body within our boundary. The authority would welcome any person or body with expertise in access for persons with any type of disability to make a representation or to comment on the authorities proposals, the Returning Officer’s representation or any other matter. Any such persons or bodies making representations should, if possible, give alternative places that may be use as polling places.
The Official Notice of the Review
ELECTORAL ADMINISTRATION ACT 2006 - The Review of Polling Districts and Polling Places (Parliamentary Elections) 2006
I hereby give notice that a review will by held, commencing with the date of this notice, with regard to the above regulations.
Any person or organisation wishing to make a representation in respect of the arrangement of polling districts and polling places within the boundary of North Devon Council; or concerning the accessibility of polling stations, must write to:
Mr Don Pratt
Deputy Returning Officer
Polling District Review
Electoral Services Office
Room 308
Civic Centre
Barnstaple EX31 1EA
The closing date for submissions is 30th June 2008
Don Pratt
The closing date for submissions is 30th June 2008
Don Pratt
Deputy Returning Officer
List of current Polling Districts and Polling Places
(pdf 57kb) 
Maps showing existing boundaries & polling places may be inspected at Room 308, Civic Centre, Barnstaple, EX31 1EA. This information sheet is also available at www.northdevon.gov.uk
Aim of the Review
The aim is to review polling districts, polling places and polling stations as so to ensure that* :
Maps showing existing boundaries & polling places may be inspected at Room 308, Civic Centre, Barnstaple, EX31 1EA. This information sheet is also available at www.northdevon.gov.uk
Aim of the Review
The aim is to review polling districts, polling places and polling stations as so to ensure that* :
(a) the authority must seek to ensure that all electors in a constituency
in its area have such reasonable facilities for voting as are practicable in the circumstances;
(b) the authority must seek to ensure that so far as is reasonable and
practicable every polling place for which it is responsible is accessible to electors who are disabled;
(c) the authority must have regard to the accessibility to disabled
persons of potential polling stations in any place which it is considering designating as a polling
place;
(d) the polling place for a polling district must be in the district,
unless special circumstances make it desirable to designate any area wholly or partly outside the district;
(e) the polling place must be small enough to indicate to electors in
different parts of the district how they will be able to reach the polling station.
* (Electoral Administration Act 2006 (pt 4)(18B)(4))
Ward boundaries are not part of this review and therefore cannot be altered.
Please also note that the Council must publish any correspondence submitted in respect of this review.
Access
All polling stations should have access facilities for disables electors. This includes wheelchair users. There are various building regulations which determine how adaptations can be made. It is not always possible for the owners of buildings to make permanent structural changes. Where permanent facilities are not possible, Electoral Services try to make temporary provision, usually by means of a portable ramp. However, it must be remembered that, on occasion these ramps can cause a hazard and thus it is not always a practical solution.
A polling station should be within reasonable walking distance for most electors.
Practical Considerations
Availability
There is no such thing as a purpose built polling station. We have to adapt and use the buildings which are available in the locality. Whilst regulations permit the Returning Officer to use schools, the owners of other buildings (Church halls, sports clubs etc.) have no such obligation.
Suitability
Where selecting a polling station there are some basic criteria which need to be considered.
Ward boundaries are not part of this review and therefore cannot be altered.
Please also note that the Council must publish any correspondence submitted in respect of this review.
Access
All polling stations should have access facilities for disables electors. This includes wheelchair users. There are various building regulations which determine how adaptations can be made. It is not always possible for the owners of buildings to make permanent structural changes. Where permanent facilities are not possible, Electoral Services try to make temporary provision, usually by means of a portable ramp. However, it must be remembered that, on occasion these ramps can cause a hazard and thus it is not always a practical solution.
A polling station should be within reasonable walking distance for most electors.
Practical Considerations
Availability
There is no such thing as a purpose built polling station. We have to adapt and use the buildings which are available in the locality. Whilst regulations permit the Returning Officer to use schools, the owners of other buildings (Church halls, sports clubs etc.) have no such obligation.
Suitability
Where selecting a polling station there are some basic criteria which need to be considered.
- Geographically central for the majority of the electorate.
- Appropriate for democratic use.
- Health and safety arrangements
- Enough useable space.
- Exclusive use.
- Access (including parking).
- Welfare facilities for staff.
- Cost.
Current
Known Issues
There are some polling places where there are known issues and these are shown below. Additionally some questions are raised for consideration.
1. Bickington & Roundswell Ward – Roundswell Community Centre is currently used for CB register as it is well situated next to Sainsburys and fits all the required criteria. However, due to parish boundaries it is actually in Landkey, Swimbridge & Taw Ward. There are currently no other alternatives that we are aware of.
There are some polling places where there are known issues and these are shown below. Additionally some questions are raised for consideration.
1. Bickington & Roundswell Ward – Roundswell Community Centre is currently used for CB register as it is well situated next to Sainsburys and fits all the required criteria. However, due to parish boundaries it is actually in Landkey, Swimbridge & Taw Ward. There are currently no other alternatives that we are aware of.
2. Braunton – Parish Hall, Braunton is currently used as a polling station
for Braunton East, although it is actually within West Ward.
3. South Molton – Whilst there is no issue with the facilities at the
Pip Centre House, it does currently serve the whole of the South Molton. Would another station
be useful at the other end of the town, and if so where?
Timetable
Consultation Period - 17th April to 30th June 2008
Timetable
Consultation Period - 17th April to 30th June 2008
Publication of Report - 31st August 2008
Submit to Council - 15th October 2008
Implementation of report recommendations on publication of Register of Electors on 1st December 2008 to be effective for elections due in 2009.
Point of Contact and Address for any Proposals/Representations
Electoral Services Office
Implementation of report recommendations on publication of Register of Electors on 1st December 2008 to be effective for elections due in 2009.
Point of Contact and Address for any Proposals/Representations
Electoral Services Office
Room 308
North Devon Council
Civic Centre, Barnstaple EX31 1EA
(01271) 388277
