Elections Newsletter 2023

A printable, PDF copy is available in the Downloads section of this page

Prospective Candidates Evening - Monday 20th March 2023, 6- 8pm, Bideford Town Hall

The briefing will be open to all prospective candidates thinking of standing for election for the District, Town and Parish elections.

Details on the election timetable will be given together with a guide on the do's and don'ts of completing a nomination paper.

Nomination Papers will be available to take away on the evening or available from the election's office from 20th March.

No requirement to register in advance.

Voter ID

Electors attending the polling station to vote will require an acceptable form of photographic identification. Acceptable ID includes but is not limited to Passport, Driving License, Blue Badge and Older Persons Bus Pass. ID can be expired as long as the photograph is still a suitable likeness.

Those without photo ID you can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate online or contact the Elections Team on 01237 428739. Deadline to apply is 5pm on 25th April

Nomination paper

Please allow enough time for your nomination paper to be informally checked before formal submission.

The deadline for nomination papers is 4pm April 4th, please do not leave it until the last minute.

Nomination papers must be handed into Riverbank House, Bideford, EX39 2QG.

Poll cards

Poll cards will be despatched to electors on 22nd March.

Postal votes

If you are a candidate at the election you are entitled to come to the opening of postal votes, however no tally sheets will be permitted.

Issuing dates

The majority of Postal Votes will be issued and posted on 13th April - 1st class.

Opening dates

21st April - 4th May, 10-4pm (Weekdays only)
4th May - 10pm at Atlantic Racquet Centre

All opening sessions will take place at Caddsdown Business Support Centre, Clovelly Rd, Bideford, EX39 3DX.

The verification and counts

All ballot boxes will be returned to Atlantic Racquet Centre, Bideford after the close of poll. All ballot boxes will be verified on Thursday 4th May from 10pm until the early hours of Friday morning.

District Count - this will begin at 10am on Friday 5th May at Atlantic Racquet Centre, Bideford EX39 3BE.

Town and Parish Count - this will begin at approximately 2pm on Friday 5th May at Atlantic Racquet Centre.

The Verification and all counts will be ticket only events for candidates, one guest, election agents and counting agents. Tickets will be sent out prior to the verification/count.

Election timetable - 4th May 2023

Event	Date/Time
Nomination papers available from	20 March
Notice of Election	20 March
Delivery of nomination papers	From 21 March 10am
Deadline for nomination papers	4pm on 4 April
Statement of persons nominated	4pm on 5 April
Last day to register to vote	17 April
Last day to register for postal vote	5pm on 18 April
Notice of poll	25 April
Deadline for receiving Voter Authority Certificate Applications	5pm on 25 April
Last day to register for proxy vote	5pm on 25 April
Polling day	7am - 10pm 4 May
Return of election expenses (Town and Parish)	2 June
Return of election expenses (District)	9 June