03
Aug
Council launches review into polling stations in North Yorkshire
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Residents across North Yorkshire are being urged to take part in a review of polling stations in the county.
North Yorkshire Council is holding a countywide consultation on its polling districts and polling stations to ensure voters have appropriate and accessible facilities.
The review follows changes made by the Local Government Boundary Commission to 14 parish ward boundaries, as well as the completion of a recent Community Governance Review involving 19 parish council areas.
Launched today (August 3), the 10-week consultation will give residents the opportunity to comment on polling arrangements in their area and help ensure they remain suitable ahead of the full council elections in May 2027.
The authority is inviting voters, particularly those who find it challenging to travel to or access their local polling station, to have their say.
Cllr Heather Phillips, the council’s executive member for corporate services, whose responsibilities include elections, said:
It’s vital that we make it as easy as possible for people to vote and ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to participate in local democracy.
Following recent changes to electoral and parish boundaries, we want to make sure that our polling districts and polling stations are suitable ahead of future elections and that they continue to provide good accessibility for voters.
We would encourage residents to take part in the consultation, particularly anyone who may experience difficulties travelling to or accessing their polling station, as their feedback will help inform our final recommendations.
The consultation will consider about 800 polling districts and approximately 500 polling stations across the county, with between 50 and 100 polling stations expected to be affected by proposed changes.
The consultation will close on Monday, October 12. You can take part in the review here.
Paper copies of the consultation will also be available from the Civic Centre on St Luke’s Avenue in Harrogate.
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