Changes to Derby’s polling districts and stations in time for May 2 elections

Changes to the number of polling districts and places where people can vote in May’s Combined East Midlands Mayor[1] and Police and Crime Commissioner elections will come into force from February 1. The results of a review of Derby’s polling districts, places and stations are due to be approved by a meeting of the full city council tomorrow (Wednesday, January 17). The city council is legally obliged to review polling districts and places every five years at the most and following the introduction of voter identification rules, the Electoral Commission reduced the recommended maximum electors per polling station from 2,500 to 2,250, assuming a 70% turnout.

A public consultation took place between October 1 and December 31 last year.[2] Changes were proposed in the following wards: Alvaston South, Arboretum, including the growing housing development on the former Derbyshire Royal Infirmary site, Blagreaves, Chaddesden East, Chaddesden North, Chaddesden West, Chellaston[3] and Shelton Lock, Littleover,[4] Mackworth and New Zealand, Mickleover[5], Normanton and Spondon. No changes were proposed in Abbey, Allestree[6], Alvaston North, Darley, Oakwood, Sinfin and Osmaston. Just 29 responses were received.

Out of those, 59% agreed with the proposals and 13% disagreed. As a result, the number of polling districts in the city has reduced from 102 to 95 after the elimination of several smaller districts which formed part of bigger stations. Several consultant respondents suggested that schools should be used more as places for voting because of better car parking and public transport links.

Oak Grange School in Alvaston was considered as a polling station but the head teacher raised concerns about the safeguarding of children should the school remain open during polling, and the disruption to education should the school close, particularly for unscheduled polls. Instead the current polling station at Field Lane Community Centre will be used instead. POLL: Is the government doing enough to help with the cost of living?[7]

Potential parking problems at Shelton Lock Community Welfare Centre have led to Acorn Close Community Room being designated instead as the polling station. for that area. And Griffe Field Primary School in Grosvenor Drive, Littleover is to be reinstated as a polling station after concerns were expressed about parking at the Haven Christian Centre in Hollybrook Way. A city council spoesman said: “The Polling Place Review underscores our ongoing commitment to a strong and accessible electoral system in Derby.

It aims to streamline the voting process while ensuring our polling stations are accessible for local people.” The reduction in the number of polling stations will result in a small saving for the city council on staffing costs but on not on venue hire expenses. At the same time that the changes to the polling districts and stations is introduced, a revised register of electors will be published on the same day.

Anyone wishing to vote in the forthcoming May 2 elections – although there is no Derby City Council election until 2027[8] – must be on the city electoral register by 11:59pm on Tuesday, April 16 and the city council is urging those who have not registered at their current address to do so before the deadline. Anyone over 16 can register online[9], although you must be 18 to vote in elections. The process takes just five minutes and all you will need is your National Insurance number.

It is particularly important that people who have recently moved home check they are registered and take action if not. According to the city council, registering to vote gives citizens the opportunity to exercise their democratic right and shape policies locally and nationally. Being registered to vote can also improve your credit score, making it easier to secure loans or a home.

Students are also reminded that they are able to register[10] at both their home address and term time address. Providing both areas are in different elections, they are also able to vote in both. Anyone who needs a postal or proxy vote can now apply for these online.

The deadline for applying for a postal vote[11] is 5pm Wednesday. April 17 April and the deadline to apply for a proxy to vote[12] on your behalf is 5pm Wednesday, April 24. To register to vote online click here[13].

The meeting of the full council will take place from 6pm in the Council Chamber and can be watched on the council’s YouTube channel here[14].

References

1. ^ Combined East Midlands Mayor (www.derbytelegraph.co.uk)
2. ^ public consultation took place between October 1 and December 31 last year. (www.derbytelegraph.co.uk)
3. ^ , Chellaston (www.derbytelegraph.co.uk)
4. ^ Littleover, (www.derbytelegraph.co.uk)
5. ^ Mickleover (www.derbytelegraph.co.uk)
6. ^ , Allestree (www.derbytelegraph.co.uk)
7. ^ Is the government doing enough to help with the cost of living? (xd.wayin.com)
8. ^ although there is no Derby City Council election until 2027 (www.derbytelegraph.co.uk)
9. ^ register online (www.gov.uk)
10. ^ register (www.gov.uk)
11. ^ applying for a postal vote (www.gov.uk)
12. ^ apply for a proxy to vote (www.gov.uk)
13. ^ here (www.gov.uk)
14. ^ here (www.youtube.com)