North Yorkshire Council is encouraging residents to share their views as part of a review of polling districts and polling places, to ensure voting arrangements remain suitable for future elections.
The countywide consultation on polling districts and polling stations follows changes made by the Local Government Boundary Commission to 14 parish ward boundaries, as well as the completion of a recent Community Governance Review involving 19 parish council areas. It will consider about 800 polling districts and approximately 500 polling stations across the county, with between 50 and 100 polling stations expected to be affected by proposed changes.
The 10-week consultation launched on Monday 3 August, giving residents the opportunity to comment on polling arrangements in their area ahead of the full council elections in May 2027. The council is particularly inviting voters who find it challenging to travel to or access their local polling station to have their say.
Equal opportunities for democracy
Councillor Heather Phillips, the council’s executive member for corporate services, whose responsibilities include elections, said: “It’s vital that we make it as easy as possible for people to vote and ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to participate in local democracy.”
She added: “Following recent changes to electoral and parish boundaries, we want to make sure that our polling districts and polling stations are suitable ahead of future elections and that they continue to provide good accessibility for voters.”
She continued: “We would encourage residents to take part in the consultation, particularly anyone who may experience difficulties travelling to or accessing their polling station, as their feedback will help inform our final recommendations.”
As part of the review, a number of polling district boundaries will need to be updated to align with the revised parish ward boundaries, and some polling stations may also need to change. Views are being sought from residents, community groups and organisations, as well as parish and town councils, elected members, local MPs and key partners including health organisations, blue-light organisations, and the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Feedback from the consultation will help shape the council’s final recommendations, which will be presented to its standards and governance committee in late November. The closing date for responses is Monday 12 October.
Find out more and take part in the consultation.
Paper copies of the consultation are also available on request from the council’s offices at 1 Belle Vue Square, Broughton Road, Skipton (BD23 1FJ); Mercury House, Station Road, Richmond (DL10 4JX); Civic Centre, St Luke’s Avenue, Harrogate (HG1 2AE); Ryedale House, Old Malton Road, Malton (YO17 7HH); County Hall, Northallerton (DL7 8AD); Civic Centre, Doncaster Road, Selby (YO8 9FT); and Town Hall, St Nicholas Street, Scarborough (YO11 2HG).
