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Follow this page for the latest news and updates on upcoming elections.

Final recommendations for Newark Town Council Ward Boundaries and Electoral Arrangements announced

The Council has undertaken a Community Governance Review of the Newark Town Council ward boundaries and electoral arrangements in light of future development of housing in the town and the current electoral arrangements.

Newark residents and any interested parties were invited to make comments on the Community Governance Review.

Following two stages of consultation, the District Council’s final recommendations are as follows:

  • Newark Town Council retain 18 Members.
  • The South Ward be renamed Middlebeck.
  • The East Ward (although retained as a boundary) be merged with Beacon Ward.
  • The electoral arrangements for Newark Town Council, effective ahead of the May 2027 elections be as follows:
    • Beacon Ward – 4 Members
    • Bridge Ward – 3 Members
    • Castle Ward – 2 Members
    • Devon Ward – 5 Members
    • Magnus Ward – 2 Members
    • Middlebeck Ward – 1 Member
    • Sleaford Ward – 1 Member

Read the Review of Newark Town Council Ward Boundaries and Electoral Arrangements (PDF File, 833kb) to find out the recommendations in full. 

Next steps

The recommendations will be effective immediately, which will enable the full elections to the Town Council scheduled for May 2027 to be undertaken in accordance with these new electoral arrangements and boundaries, in addition to any by-elections to fill casual vacancies ahead of those full elections.

New Register of Electors

Annual registration forms will be delivered to every household in the District from Monday 11 August 2025, to make sure we know who is eligible to register to vote. A new Register of Electors will be published from 1 December 2025 and will be used at any elections that may take place until 30 November 2026.

For more information visit our Register of Electors annual canvass webpage.

3 July 2025 County Council by-election

Following the resignation of County Councillor Desmond Clarke, a request has now been received to fill the vacancy for the Newark West Division of Nottinghamshire County Council by a poll. A by-election is due to be held on Thursday 3 July 2025. If contested, polling stations will be open from 7am until 10pm.

For more information on this by-election go to our 3 July 2025 County Council by-election webpage.

1 May 2025 County Council elections

The Nottinghamshire County Council elections will be held on Thursday 1 May 2025.

For more information on this election go to our 1 May 2025 County Council Elections.

Review of Polling Districts and Polling Places

Newark & Sherwood District Council is currently undertaking a review of polling districts and polling places and is inviting views from the public to see if anything needs changing.

The Notice of Review (PDF File, 118kb) and introduction to polling district & places review (PDF File, 135kb) will be published on Monday 18 December 2023.

The consultation period starts from Monday 18 December 2023 and ends on Friday 16 February 2024. During this period, the Council welcomes views and comments on factors such as where polling places are located, the ease of getting into them if people have a disability and any other relevant information.

The current polling arrangements (PDF File, 779kb), by District Ward, includes information about the number of voters that may vote at each polling place. A District Ward map is also available to view for each ward.

Changes to postal and proxy voting applications

The Elections Act 2022 introduced a number of changes to our electoral system, including how we vote by post and proxy.

Residents in the District are advised that from Tuesday 31 October 2023, voters will be able to apply to vote by post online. Previously, postal votes could only be applied for by completing a paper application form.

If you wish to vote by post, but cannot apply online, a paper application form is available from the Electoral Commission’s website at www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter, or please contact us by email at voting@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk or telephone on 01636 655459.

Postal votes will last for a maximum of three years with voters required to re-apply for their postal vote at the end of this period. If you currently have a postal vote in place, you do not need to take any action now. We will write to you when it is time to renew.

Proxy voting has also changed from Tuesday 31 October 2023. Under new rules, voters will be limited to acting as a proxy for two people, regardless of their relationship. Anyone voting on behalf of UK voters who live overseas may be eligible to act as a proxy for up to four people. Voters will be able to apply to vote by proxy online for some types of proxy vote.

A National Insurance number will need to be provided on postal vote and proxy vote applications. If someone is not able to provide it, alternative proof of identity may be accepted. You will also need to upload an image of your usual signature.

These changes are part of the Elections Act and further information can be found at https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/about-us.