Town Council Elections - May 2023
Every four years Town and Parish councils are required to hold elections. That time is now nearly upon us.
Why become a town councillor
There are many reasons why you might like to become a councillor:
· to make a difference and help shape the future of the local community
· concern about your local area and wanting to ensure the community gets the right services
· to represent the views of local people and ensure that community interests are taken into account
· concern about a specific issue and wanting to do something about it
· having good ideas for the council and community in a time of scarce resources
· to contribute your skills
· to build on other community work through a charity, voluntary group or school governing body
· to pursue your political ambitions and contribute to your community
· it can be a career-enhancing activity, allowing you to develop leadership and analytical skills and to obtain practical and managerial work experience.
How to apply to be a councillor
You can become a councillor if you are;
· British or a citizen of the Commonwealth or European Union
· 18 years and over
· Registered to vote in the area or have lived, worked or owned property there for at least 12 months before an election.
· Not been declared bankrupt or disqualified from being elected
· Not a council employee
You do not need to belong to a political party.
Standing for election
Standing for election is a relatively simple process. You will need to submit a nomination paper to the Returning Officer and also get a number of people living within your community to support you. For Town and Parish Councils you need just two supporters. Anyone who agrees to support your candidacy must be willing to sign your nomination and they also need to be registered electors who are entitled to vote for you.
How do I apply to be a councillor?
If you would like to put yourself forward you can obtain a nomination pack by sending an email to electoralservices@teignbridge.gov.uk
When you contact us to request a nomination pack please remember to include:
· your full name
· your home address
· the council you will be standing for.
The election timetable
Elections to all seats on Teignbridge District Council and to Teignbridge Town and Parish Councils will take place on Thursday 4 May.
The key dates for these elections are as follows:
· Publication of Notice of Election – Friday 17 March
· Delivery of nomination papers to the Returning Officer – from Monday 20 March until the deadline of 4pm on Tuesday 4 April
· Publication of Statement of Persons Nominated – No later than 4pm on Wednesday 5 April
· Last date to register to vote at these elections – Monday 17 April
· Deadline to submit a postal vote application- 5pm on Tuesday 18 April
· Deadline to change or cancel any existing absent voting arrangements – 5pm on Tuesday 18 April
· Deadline to submit a proxy vote application – 5pm on Tuesday 25 April
Voter ID
The UK Government has introduced a requirement for voters to show photo ID when voting at a polling station at some elections. This new requirement will apply for the first time in England at the local elections on Thursday 4 May 2023.
Which forms of ID can I use to vote?
You may already have a form of photo ID that is acceptable. You can use any of the following:
· Passport
· Driving licence (including provisional license)
· Blue badge
· Certain concessionary travel cards
· Identity card with PASS mark (Proof of Age Standards Scheme)
· Biometric Immigration document
· Defence identity card
· Certain national identity cards
For more information on which forms of photo ID will be accepted, visit electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID or call their helpline on 0800 328 0280.
If you don’t have an accepted form photo ID
If you don’t already have an accepted form of photo ID, or you’re not sure whether your photo ID still looks like you, you can apply for a free voter ID document, known as a Voter Authority Certificate. You can apply for this at voter-authority-certificate.service.gov.uk.
John Carlton
Town Clerk
01626 853140