Voting FAQ's
Can I register to vote if I live overseas ?
Yes! if you are a British citizen living outside the UK and you
meet the criteria detailed below, you can register as an overseas
elector. This will enable you to vote in Parliamentary elections
and European Parliamentary elections in the UK.
In order to register you must meet one of the following two sets
of conditions
- your name was previously on the electoral register for an
address in the UK;
- you were living in the UK on the relevant qualifying date for
that register; and there are no more than 15 years between that
date and the date of your application.
or that
- you last lived in the UK less than 15 years before the date of
the application;
- you were too young to be on the electoral register before you
left;
- a parent or guardian was on the electoral register, for the
address at which you were living;
- you are now at least 18 years old or will become 18 during the
life of the register for which you are applying.
For more information view our Overseas Electors
leaflet (98.82 KB) or download a Overseas
Electors application form.
How do I register for postal voting ?
If you would rather have your ballot paper sent to you by post
than go to the polling station to vote simply complete an Application to Vote by
Post (8.23 KB) form and return it to us. See link
below for an application form.
Each applicant must complete and sign an Application to Vote by
Post (8.23 KB) form. Applications must be received
by us at least eleven working days prior to polling day if it is to
be in force for that election.
Can I apply for someone else to vote on my behalf ?
Under certain circumstances you can apply for a ‘proxy vote’,
which allows you to nominate someone else to attend the polling
station and cast your vote.
You can apply for a proxy vote if you meet one of the following
criteria:
- you are registered blind;
- you receive the higher rate mobility component of the
Disability Living Allowance;
- you have a physical incapacity; or
- your employment is such that you could not attend the polling
station.
- You can also apply for a proxy vote for one election if you
will be away on holiday or away from home at the time of the
election.
If you apply for a proxy vote because you have a physical
incapacity or due to the nature of your employment your application
must be supported by a doctor or your employer.
To apply to vote by proxy complete, sign, and return an Application to Vote by
Proxy (16.38 KB) form.
Applications for a proxy vote can be made up to six days before
polling day but an "emergency” proxy vote can be applied for after
this date for those who could not have applied earlier because of
unforeseen health reasons. "An emergency” applicaton can be made up
to 5pm on polling day. Application for an Emergency Proxy
Vote (12.06 KB).
When do elections take place ?
Local Government Elections
Wychavon is divided into 32
Wards (11.64 KB), which are represented by 45
Councillors on Wychavon District Council. Elections for District
Councillors take place every four years, on the first Thursday in
May. The last District Council elections took place on 5th May
2011, the next Normal District Council elections are due to take
place in May 2015.
Also within Wychavon there are 109 Parish wards (11.64
KB). Each Parish
Council (3.20 MB) has between 5 and 24 Councillors.
Elections for Parish Councillors take place at the same time as the
District Council elections.
For representation on Worcestershire County Council, the
Wychavon area is split into 12 divisions. These divisions are each
represented by 1 County Councillor. County Council elections also
take place every four years, on the first Thursday in May. The last
County Council elections took place on 4 June 2009 and next will be
held in May 2013.
If a Local Councillor resigns or dies the ‘seat’ becomes vacant
and a by-election may be called to find a replacement. A
by-election can happen at any time provided the vacancy occurs at
least six month prior to the date for normal elections. For any
current by-elections veiw current
elections.
Parliamentary Elections
Parliamentary elections, in which you vote for a Member of
Parliament, must take place within five years of the previous
parliamentary election, but can be called at any time. The last
parliamentary election took place on 6 May 2010. For any current
elections view the current elections
page. If an MP dies or resigns an election would be
called.
European Parliamentary Elections
These are held every five years. These elections decide who will
represent you in the European Parliament. The last election took
place on 4 June 2009. For more information see link below. Wychavon
District Council organises all elections in the Wychavon area but
elections are paid for by, either, the relevant Council, or the
Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, depending on which type of
election is held.
For information on any current
elections go to the current elections page.
Where do I vote ?
You can either vote in person at the Polling Station, or if you
prefer you can apply to vote by post. In certain circumstances you
can arrange for someone to vote on your behalf. (see the links
below to vote by post or proxy). We hire village halls, community
halls and even use facilities in people’s houses to try to ensure
that you do not have to travel too far to your Polling Station.
Wychavon is split in to areas called wards, and within these wards
are Parishes. Most Parishes in Wychavon have their own Polling
Station. In rural areas this will generally be the village hall. We
will send you a Poll Card shortly before an election. This Poll
Card will tell you where you have to go to vote, unless you vote by
post.
How can I get Electoral forms in - large print / Audio / or
different languages ?
Either contact the registration officer on 01386 565437,
email elections@wychavon.gov.uk,
or visit the
Electoral Commission website for further details.
How can I contact my local representative?
To find details of your local parish council, district and
county councillors and Member of Parliament (MP) visit My
Local Area.
Forms and Publications
