1. Notice is hereby given that Dorset Council (‘the Council’) is conducting a review of the polling districts, polling places and polling stations that fall within the Dorset Council area.
2. The (Acting) Returning Officer (ARO) for the Parliamentary Constituencies of North Dorset, South Dorset and West Dorset will make comment on the proposals and those representations will be published on the Council’s website and notice boards in accordance with the timetable set out below.
3. The (Acting) Returning Officer (ARO) for the Parliamentary Constituencies of Christchurch and Mid Dorset and North Poole will be consulted for the areas which come under Dorset Council in accordance with the timetable set out below.
4. Electors within the Dorset Council area, or the Parliamentary Constituencies of Christchurch (Dorset Council part), Mid Dorset and North Poole (Dorset Council part), North Dorset, South Dorset and West Dorset, may make a representation.
5. The Council would welcome the views of all residents, particularly disabled residents, or any person or body with expertise in access for persons with any type of disability, on the proposals, the ARO’s representation, or any other related matters.
6. Persons or bodies making representations, should, if possible, give alternative places that may be used as polling places.
7. Comments and representations may be submitted as follows:
a. Submit comments and representations via the Council’s online consultation platform: https://consultation.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/consultation-and-engagement/polling
b. Request a paper copy of the consultation document from Electoral Services on 01305 838299 or email elections@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk, or download a copy of the consultation document from the Council’s website at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/review-of-polling-districts-and-polling-places, and return it either by post to Electoral Services, Dorset Council, County Hall, Colliton Park, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1XJ or email to elections@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
8. Documents relating to the review can be inspected on the Council’s website at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/review-of-polling-districts-and-polling-places. If you are unable to access or view any of the documents on the website, please contact Electoral Services on 01305 838299 or email elections@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk for a paper copy.
9. Timetable for the Review
| Date | Detail |
|---|---|
| 3 October 2023 | Publication of notice and commencement of public consultation period |
| 2 October 2023 | Publication of the (Acting) Returning Officer’s comments and proposals |
| 13 November 2023 | End of consultation period |
| 14 December 2023 | Final proposals considered at meeting of Dorset Council |
| 1 February 2024 | Changes to polling places and districts implemented |
Matt Prosser
(Acting) Returning Officer
Dated: 3 October 2023