Frequently Asked Questions - Voting & running elections

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

	FAQs
	About the Electoral Register
	When do elections take place and how can I vote?
	Who is my councillor?
	Annual canvass
	Can I register anonymously?
	Can I get information in braille, audio or a different language?

When do elections take place?

District council elections

In South Staffordshire we have 25 'Wards', which are represented by 49 councillors. Elections take place every four years, on the first Thursday in May.

Our last elections took place on 5th May 2011. Our next election is due to take place on Thursday 7th May 2015.

Parish elections

There are also 27 parish councils. Elections for parish councillors take place at the same time as the district council elections.

County Council elections

There seven county council seats in South Staffordshire. County council elections also take place every four years. The last county council elections took place on 4th June 2009. The next scheduled elections will be held in May 2013.

If a local councillor resigns or dies the ‘seat’ becomes vacant and a by-election may be called to find a replacement. A by-election can happen at any time provided the vacancy occurs at least six months before the date for normal elections.

Parliamentary elections

Parliamentary elections, in which you vote for a Member of Parliament take place within five years of the previous election. The last parliamentary election took place on 6th May 2010.

European Elections

These are held every five years. These elections decide who will represent you in the European Parliament. The last election took place on 4th June 2009.

Where or how do I vote?

You can either vote in person at your designated Polling Station, or if you prefer you can apply to vote by post. Alternately you may want someone who you can trust to vote on your behalf i.e. by proxy.

You will get a polling card delivered your home before an election which will tell you where your nearest polling station is.

You don't need to take your poll card to the polling station in order to vote.

How can I get Electoral forms in - large print / Audio / or different languages?

Either contact the Elections Office on 01902 696121 or e-mail elections@sstaffs.gov.uk . You can also visit the Electoral Commission website for further details (see below).