51³Ô¹ÏÃâ·ÑApp

Services

Review of Polling Districts and Polling Places 2023-2025

As required by the Representation of the People Act 1983 and by Section 17 of the Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013, 51³Ô¹ÏÃâ·ÑApp and Bute Council requires to undertake a compulsory review, by 31 January 2025, of polling districts and polling places within the UK Parliamentary Constituency for the purposes of UK Parliamentary, Scottish Parliamentary and Local Government elections.

Every local authority is required to carry out a review by the end of January 2025 and every fifth year after that to ensure both reasonable facilities for voting and that polling places are accessible to all electors, including voters with a disability, so far as is practicable. The Election Team have conducted a preliminary review which took account of feedback from recent elections, experience of using the current places and any recent changes in circumstances.

Each polling district must have a designated polling place that can be brought into use on election days for local people. Polling places must, in general terms, be within the designated polling district, and the building/facilities used should be as accessible as possible.

The aim of the review is:-

  • Seek comments on the present division of polling districts, and the suitability of the buildings and rooms presently used on election days for polling purposes.

  • Ensure that all electors in the County have reasonable facilities for voting (as far as practicable in the circumstances).

  • Ensure that (in as far as is reasonable and practicable), the polling places used are accessible to all electors, including those who are less able or have particular needs.

The Council has always aimed to locate polling stations within a convenient distance from the majority of electors’ homes, with the premises being easy to find and accessible to all. However, it is not always possible to find (or to get permission to use) perfect premises in every area. A best compromise is however always sought.

The Council welcomes relevant comments from residents in 51³Ô¹ÏÃâ·ÑApp and Bute, and any individuals or bodies who have a particular expertise in relation to the use of premises or facilities for those who have different forms of ability or disability. This is now your opportunity to comment of your polling facilities and to suggest alternatives if you are unhappy with your current facilities. Political parties, existing elected representatives and other interested parties are also invited to contribute. 

The review will run from Monday 2 October 2023 and all representations must be submitted by 30 October 2023 by post to the Election Office, Customer Services, Kilmory Headquarters, Lochgilphead PA31 8RT or by e-mail to elections@argyll-bute.gov.uk

Draft proposals for the revised scheme of Polling Districts and Polling Places together with a statement of reasons will then be published and final recommendations will be presented to Full Council in November 2023. Once the Council has agreed the proposals, the new polling districts and polling places will be made available to the public and the Register of Electors will take into account any changes made.

The Statutory Notice and documentation and maps will be available for public inspection from 2 October 2023 here and in various Customer Service Points.

Timetable

Preparatory work: Now – September 2023

Notice of Review: 2 October 2023

Consult: 2 October – 30 October 2023

Consider responses: 30 October – 3 November 2023

Prepare final proposals: 6 November – 10 November

Council Meeting and decision: 23 November 2023

Conclude review: End November 2023

Amend polling scheme: End November 2023

Publish register: 1 December 2023

Executive Director – Customer Services, 51³Ô¹ÏÃâ·ÑApp and Bute Council, Kilmory, Lochgilphead, 51³Ô¹ÏÃâ·ÑApp PA31 8RT
August 2023

Documentation and maps

Maps

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