Referendum / District / Parish / Town Council Elections

Frequently Asked Questions 2012

When will the election be held?
Thursday 3rd May 2012 is polling day.

What hours are the polling stations open? 
Polling Stations are now open from 7am until 10pm for all elections.

What type of elections are being held in Wyre Forest?

Wards – 1 seat each

Aggborough & Spennells  - Helen Dyke
Areley Kings – James Shaw
Bewdley and Arley – Julian Phillips
Broadwaters – Mumshad Ahmed
Franche – Jeffery Baker
Greenhill – Graham Ballinger
Habberley & Blakebrook – Kenneth Prosser
Lickhill – Brian Glass
Mitton – John Holden
Offmore and Comberton - Fran Oborski
Oldington and Foley Park - Nathan Desmond
Rock - Douglas Godwin
Sutton Park - Marcus Hart
Wribbenhall - Arthur Buckley

Parish
Rock - 13 seats

REGISTRATION

Do I have to be registered to vote? Yes. Every household would have been sent forms (reminders) in the autumn of 2011 so if you were living in the property at that time you should be on the register. If you have moved in since then you should have contacted the Electoral Registration department to make an application to register. If not the deadline for applications to be registered in time to vote at these elections is 5pm on 18th April. You can download forms from our main elections page.

What if I have missed this deadline - can I still vote? Not unless you are registered somewhere else. It may be that you are registered at a previous address, say for example if you have only recently moved then it is worth checking. If you are still registered at a previous address you would have to vote at the polling station for that address as it would be too late to apply to vote by post. A registration form should be completed even though it is too late for this election.

Can I check whether I am registered? Yes we can confirm details.

Can I have a form to register? Yes. You can download forms from our main elections page.

Can I fill in my partners/children's details too? No. Anyone who is 18 before 1^st December 2012 can register, but they must sign the form against their name. So you cannot complete it on their behalf.

How long will it take before I am registered? There is a statutory timetable for the processing of applications but during an election period provide we receive the form properly completed, by the 18^th April you will be on the register for the 1^st May, thus enabling you to vote. View the timetable.(7K)

POLLING STATIONS

Where do I have to go to vote (polling station)? A complete list of polling stations will be provided. By checking the 'street index' at the front of the register you will find which register to check for your name. Then when you go to the particular register and find the elector concerned you will find the polling district letters e.g. BE-A and the elector number which can then be checked against the polling station list.

I haven’t had a poll card – should I have done? Poll cards will be sent out to all voters by no later than 28^th March.  You can check whether you are registered on the electoral roll (available at the Worcestershire Hub at Kidderminster Town Hall or Civic Centre in Stourport). If you are don't worry – you don’t need the poll cards to be able to vote and can just go along to the polling station, give your name and address and the staff will help you. If you are not registered and if it is not too late to apply, get an ER3 completed  and sent to the Electoral Services Office immediately. You can download forms from our main elections page.

Do I have to tell the people sat out side the polling station my details? No – these people are working for the political parties and candidates and are try to ascertain who has, or has not voted. They are an integral part of the political process but are not election officials and you do not have to give them your details unless you want to. Election Officers will be in the main hall, or in another room being used in the building.

Do I need to take any identification? No, there is no requirement for you to show ID to enable you to vote - but you do have to confirm that you are who you say you are and this is legally binding.

I am disabled - can I have help to complete my ballot paper? Yes, you can either take someone along with you to assist you or the Presiding Officer at the station can assist. In both cases there are special forms which must be completed so it may take a little longer. You can also apply to vote by post, or nominate someone to go to the polling station for you, ie proxy vote. You can download forms from our main elections page.

ABSENT VOTING

I can’t get to the polling station on polling day can I apply to vote by post?  - the deadline for applications to vote by post is 5pm on 18^th April. You can download forms from our main elections page.

I have applied for a postal vote but haven’t received my ballot papers! – Postal ballot papers will be sent out on about the 24th April. The number of postal ballot pack we send out is always balanced back exactly to the numbers of postal voters on the register and are then handed over to Royal Mail. Although we always use 1^st class post it can sometimes take a few days for Royal Mail to deliver all the postal voting packs, and sometimes some do get lost! If you haven’t received your postal vote pack by 27^th April contact the Electoral Services Office who can issue a replacement.

I have received a postal vote but I don’t want to vote by post! – It is not now possible for you to vote in person at the polling station and if you wish to vote you must use the postal ballot paper you have been issued. After the election if you wish to cancel your postal vote for future elections please put your request in writing giving your full name and address where you are registered and stating that you no longer require a postal vote.

I have received two postal votes! – There may be elections in Rock.

Don’t I need someone to witness my signature on the statement that accompanies the ballot papers? – No the law has changed so that you only have to sign it and give your date of birth. These will be checked against the signature and date of birth we have on our system.

I have a postal vote but I can still vote at the polling station if I want to can't I? No. You must vote by using your postal vote as you will not be allowed to vote in person.

Can I hand deliver my postal vote or give it to a candidate? You can deliver it to the Returning Officer’s office (Civic Centre, Stourport) if you wish and there is no legislation to stop a candidate delivering it for you but we do ask candidates not to handle postal votes as part of our anti fraud measures.  

I don't want to vote by post but can't go to the polling station what can I do? You could apply to vote by proxy provided you meet the criteria - you must either be away (this application will only apply for one election,) or be physically incapacitated (and have the form supported by a medical practitioner) or be away due to your employment.

CANDIDATES

I haven’t received any information about who is standing! -  It is the candidates' responsibility to send you any information about themselves.

After the 4th April you should have seen details of who is standing in the local press or on the Statements of Person’s Nominated which are displayed on the public notice boards at the Civic Centre, Stourport or on the Council’s website. The Elections Team don’t hold any information about what the candidates stand for and we are not allowed to give any further information than that.  

RESULTS

When can I find out who has won the election? Elections results will be posted on our website as soon as possible and also at the Civic Centre Stourport and on the Council’s website. The verification will be held at The Glades Arena, Bromsgrove Street, Kidderminster on Thursday evening/Friday morning. 

Details of the Count will follow.

Results for all elections will be available on the website as soon as possible after declaration.