Residents across North Yorkshire are being asked to help shape where they vote in future elections as the council launches a review of polling districts and polling stations.
North Yorkshire Council has begun a 10-week consultation to ensure voting arrangements remain suitable and accessible following recent changes to parish ward boundaries and local governance arrangements.
The review covers around 800 polling districts and 500 polling stations across the county, with between 50 and 100 polling stations expected to be affected by proposed changes.
The consultation follows changes made by the Local Government Boundary Commission to 14 parish ward boundaries, as well as a Community Governance Review involving 19 parish council areas.
The council is encouraging residents, particularly anyone who finds it difficult to travel to or access their local polling station, to share their views before the consultation closes on Monday, October 12.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for corporate services, Cllr Heather Phillips, 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.
“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.
“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, some polling district boundaries will be amended to reflect revised parish ward boundaries, while a number of polling stations may also change.
The council is seeking feedback from residents, community groups, parish and town councils, elected members, local MPs and partner organisations, including health services, emergency services and the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Responses will help shape the final recommendations, which are due to be considered by the council’s standards and governance committee later this year, ahead of the next full North Yorkshire Council elections in May 2027.
To find out more information about the proposed changes and to take part in the consultation, voters are asked to visit North Yorkshire Council’s website at https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/PollingPlacesReview.
Paper copies are available on request from council offices:
- 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.
- Town Hall, St Nicholas St, Scarborough YO11 2HG.
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