Salford’s polling district and polling place review is now taking place, with the consultation period lasting until Friday 24 November 2023. As part of this review, Tom Stannard as the (Acting) Returning Officer with responsibility for parliamentary elections, will give his comments. Details and all required resources/information are located below, as well as details on how residents can feedback on the proposals: The council is asking for your views and comments, and suggestions for changes, on: Suitability and location of the polling place for your address The size and boundary of the polling district for your address Any wider comments you have on arrangements in the city the (Acting) Returning Officer’s views Before commenting, you can see the polling place for your address a list of the polling districts and polling places the (Acting) Returning Officer’s comments Feedback is particularly sought from individuals/groups with an interest in or knowledge of accessibility needs for disabled persons. If you need any more information to help you respond or if you would like to view details/maps in person at the Civic Centre in Swinton, please email the council to arrange an appointment: elections@salford.gov.uk Following the consultations conclusion on Friday 24 November 2023, final proposals will be published on this webpage in December 2023. Background Information This review is taking place in accordance with the Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013, where every council in England and Wales must undertake and complete a review of all of the polling districts and polling places in its area within a 16 month period commencing from 1 October 2023. A Polling District is defined as the geographical area created by sub-dividing a constituency/ward. A Polling Place is defined as a designated area (for example, a designated building) for a polling district in which polling stations are located. In reviewing its Polling Districts and Polling Places, the council will ensure that: Electors have such reasonable facilities for voting as are practicable in the circumstances; and As far as is reasonable and practicable, that polling places are accessible to all electors, including those who are disabled, and when designating a polling place, have regard to the accessibility needs of disabled persons. Ideally, there should be no more than 2,250 electors voting in person at the polling station which falls in line with the recommendations of the Electoral Commission (EC). This is just a recommendation, and some circumstances may allow for a higher electorate in a district. Portakabins (temporary stations/cabins) should only be used where there is no other reasonable option, as these are costly to operate. Although the review is of polling districts and polling places it is accepted that polling stations are inexorably linked to the review. If you wish to submit any formal comments or proposals, please contact Sara Bennett, Elections Manager, either by email to sara.bennett@salford.gov.uk, or in writing by post to: Sara Bennett Electoral Services Salford City Council Civic Centre Swinton M27 5DA All comments will be published with the final report once the review has concluded.
