Elections latest news
Follow this page for the latest news and updates on upcoming elections.
Review of Newark Town Council Ward Boundaries and Electoral Arrangements
Views are being sought in a review of the boundaries of Newark Town Council.
Newark residents and any interested parties are being invited to make comments on 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. This is a standard process to ensure that the arrangements are clear and transparent for the electorate.
In their White Paper, Strong and Prosperous Communities, the UK Government emphasised that “ultimately, the recommendations made in a community governance review ought to bring about improved community engagement, more cohesive communities, better local democracy and result in more effective and convenient delivery of local services”.
On 12 December 2024 Newark and Sherwood District Council agreed the terms of reference, an indicative timetable and process for the Community Governance Review. This review process will determine any changes to the boundaries of Newark Town Council in view of the developments. The Council’s General Purposes Committee will consider representations received during the review and final recommendations will be made directly to the Full Council.
The views of local people will be considered as part of this initial consultation process, following which draft proposals will be put forward in the Spring and will be open for another period of public consultation.
The first stage of the consultation, inviting initial submissions, will open on Tuesday 7 January 2025 and will end on Tuesday 18 February 2025 at 5pm.
The Terms of Reference (PDF File, 112kb) and a map of the review area (PDF File, 723kb) are available here.
New Register of Electors
The Register of Electors was republished on 1 December 2024. This register will be used for any elections that take place until 30 November 2025.
For more information visit our Registering to vote page.
4 July 2024 Parliamentary election
The Parliamentary election will be held on Thursday 4 July 2024.
For more information on this election go to our 4 July 2024 Parliamentary Election webpage.
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 www.electoralcommission.org.uk/who-we-are-and-what-we-do/our-views-and-research/elections-act.
Mayoral referendum petition
The Returning Officer must publish a Mayoral Referendum Notice (PDF File, 125kb) each year giving the 5% figure required for the submission of a petition to the authority to hold a referendum on whether to have an elected a mayor.