Everyone who votes in the Stroud district can comment on a review which will ensure polling stations are accessible to all.
Stroud District Council is required by law to review polling districts and polling places (the building or area where polling stations are located) for UK Parliamentary constituencies at least once every five years.
A public consultation was launched on Tuesday 17 October 2023 and runs until Wednesday 22 November 2023. Stroud District Council is consulting on the location and suitability of the polling stations where people will go to vote. In particular, it wants to ensure that stations are accessible to all including people with a disability.
A consultation report has been published outlining the current and proposed amendments Stroud District Council is considering in consultation with the Acting Returning Officer for the new North Cotswold and South Cotswold Constituencies which share Parliamentary boundaries with Stroud.
The majority of the changes outlined in the consultation document are as a result of the Community Governance Review recommendations that were approved at Council in July 2023 and the Interim Polling District Review which was undertaken between July and September 2023.
When making representations individuals and community groups are advised to provide as much relevant information as they can, including issues such as location, parking and disability access and whether they are aware of any other suitable premises that could be used for polling duties.
All submissions received will be carefully reviewed and considered before final recommendations are considered by Full Council on Thursday 14 December 2023. If agreed, the amendments will come into effect when the revised register is re-published on Tuesday 2 January 2024 and the local elections on Thursday 2 May will be run under the new arrangements.
“We are asking for individuals, community groups and any other interested groups and organisations to make their views known on the recommended changes for the Polling District, Place and Station Review. Through holding this consultation we hope to ensure that the polling arrangements and facilities are suitable, convenient and accessible for the electorate of Stroud,†said Kathy OLeary, Acting Returning Officer.
“District, parish and town, and police and crime commissioner elections will take place next year and its important that we consider all views so that suitable polling stations are in place for these elections.â€
We want to hear any concerns people may have and particularly want the views of those with an interest in accessibility. Any submissions must be received by Wednesday 22 November 2023 to be considered as part of this review.
To have your say, visit the Polling District, Polling Place and Polling Station Review survey at: www.stroud.gov.uk/elections
Email: your name, address and views to elections@stroud.gov.uk Call: 01453 766321. Write to: Polling District Review, Electoral Services, Stroud District Council, Ebley Mill, Ebley Wharf, Stroud, GL5 4UB.
A paper copy of the online survey is available upon request.