Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get my name on the Electoral
Register?
A form is sent to every property, at
the end of August each year. You should make sure that your name is
included on this form, and if not, you should make sure that it is
added.
You can also add your name to the register of electors at any time
throughout the year under Rolling Registration.
For a registration form, go to the 'Register to Vote' page.
Why should I register?
- If you do not register
then you cannot exercise your democratic right to vote in any
election.
- It is much harder to
obtain credit if you are not on the Register.
- The council may have to
take legal proceedings against householders who fail to return
their registration form
When does
registration take place?
The Register of Electors is published
each year on 1st December, and from time to time a revised version
may also be published.
From January to August each year under the "rolling registration"
provisions, electors who change their address may apply to register
for their new address almost immediately, subject to monthly dates
for the receipt of claims.
Between September and December registration is by way of an annual
"canvass" during which registration forms are sent to every
property in the district.
The annual registration process, for the register coming into force
on 1st December, begins early in September. All households should
receive a form by mid-September and it should be completed and
returned without delay - not only will this ensure that residents
are registered to vote, but it will also mean that we don;t have to
send reminders.
If you have not received a form by 22nd September, or if you have
any queries about electoral registration please contact the elections office by any of
the methods indicated below.
The next major elections will be the County Council and European
elections in 2009.
How can I view the
register?
- You can check the
Electoral Register at Mid Suffolk's offices at Needham Market.
- Alternatively you can
contact the Electoral Services Office on 01449 724672 who will be
able to check some details for you.
What if I am not on the
register?
All you need to do is complete the
Registration Form.pdf. You need to sign your own form -
someone else cannot do it for you.
When you send us your completed, signed form we will add you to our
list of new applications. Any elector can then object to your name
being added to the register. If this happens we will write to
you.
Who is eligible to vote?
- You have to be eighteen
years or over.
- All British,
Commonwealth, Irish and other European Union citizens.
- Overseas electors
- Members of HM Forces
and their spouses
- Crown servants employed
outside the United Kingdom
- European citizens are
allowed to vote in European and Local Elections only
- Overseas Electors are
allowed to vote in Parliamentary and European Elections
only.
What if I am unable to get to the
Polling Station on Election Day?
If you are unable to go to your
Polling Station on Election Day, you can
apply
to vote by post or apply to vote by proxy (a proxy
is someone who votes on your behalf).
Postal Votes
Anyone can ask for a postal vote at
any time up to 11 working days before an election. It is ideal
if you are elderly or disabled and have difficulty getting to the
polling station to cast your vote, or if you are unable to find
time to go because of work or family commitments.
If you have applied to have a postal
vote, a ballot paper will be sent to you in the post 2 weeks before
any election. You then mark the ballot paper, put it in the
envelope and post it back. The only other thing you have to do is
to complete a form called a Postal Voting Statement which you have
to sign, and enter your date of birth. This form is also returned
with the ballot paper.
Proxy Votes
You may like to appoint a someone to
vote for you (a proxy)
- If you have a permanent
physical incapacity, are registered blind or receive the higher
rate of mobility component of the disability living allowance for a
physical disability. The form requires the declaration that the
information is correct from a doctor, nurse or warden of a
home.
- If your work frequently
takes you overseas
- If you will be on
holiday when the election is taking place
- If you have moved house
since you registered and are unable to go to your old polling
station.
- If you are working
during all hours of voting, for example as a member of the election
staff.
If you are unsure whether a postal or
proxy vote will suit you best, please contact the Electoral
Services Officer for advice.
How do I vote?
- Poll cards are
delivered shortly before an Election. Each member of the household
who is eligible to vote should receive a poll card which informs
them of the date of the election, where their polling station is
and the hours of poll. You do not need to take the poll card with
you to be able to vote.
- For all elections the
hours of poll are 7.00 am to 10.00 pm
- On arrival at your
designated polling station, the Presiding Officer will ask you to
confirm your name and address and will issue you with a ballot
paper.
- The ballot paper will
be marked with an official stamp.
- You should take the
ballot paper to the voting booth and mark with a "X" the candidate
you wish to vote for. The ballot paper will tell you if you can
vote for more than one condidate.
- Fold the ballot paper
and put it in the ballot box.
What are the two versions of the
register?
There are two versions of the register
- the full register and the edited register - and the registration
form asks residents to choose whether or not they wish to be
included in the edited register.
- The Full
Register - has the names and addresses of everyone entitled to
vote. Anyone can look at it, but copies can only be supplied for
certain purposes, including credit reference agencies, crime
prevention and electoral purposes.
- The Edited
Register - this is available for sale to any person, company or
organisation, and could be used for marketing. You can choose not
to be on this register, by putting a cross in the last column on
the Electoral Registration form.
Who Are My Representatives?
Your District Councillors can be found
by visiting the councillors pages on this website.
You are also represented by a Suffolk
County Councillor, a Member of Parliament (MP) and a Member of the
European Parliament (MEP).
Use the following links to find
further details: