Forthcoming elections

Elections in 2009

There are scheduled elections for Surrey County Council and European Parliament in 2009.  For further information on these elections, please revisit this page nearer the time or telephone 01483 755855

Registering to Vote

In order to vote in any forthcoming elections, you need to be on the electoral register.  Please telephone Electoral Services 01483 755855 if you are unsure whether you are registered; they are able to advise you of the registration process if you are not on the register.  Alternatively, please download and complete a voter registration form and return it to the address on the form.  The deadline to register to vote in any forthcoming elections is 11 days before polling day.

Voting by Post

If you would prefer to vote by post in any forthcoming election, please download and complete an application to vote by post and return it to the address on the form.  Once your postal vote has been allowed, the ballot papers will be sent to you in the fortnight before the election.  The deadline to apply for a postal vote for any forthcoming election is 5pm on the 11th day before polling day.

Further information on voting by post is available.

Voting by Proxy

Electors can nominate another person (a proxy) to vote on their behalf, if they are unable to vote on election day.  Please download and complete an application form to appoint a proxy for this election and return it to the address on the form.  Once this has been allowed, your proxy will receive instructions about polling day.  The deadline to apply to vote by proxy for any forthcoming election is 5pm on the 11th day before polling day.

In some circumstances, such as long-term sickness or regular employment abroad, electors are able to apply for a permanent proxy vote and have their application attested by a medical practitioner or employer.  

Further information on voting by proxy is available.

Polling station opening times

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm. 

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Who will be at the Polling Station?

The polling station staff ensure that voters are able to cast their vote in secret, free from influence and in a calm atmosphere.

Presiding Officer

The Presiding Officer is responsible for the conduct of the ballot in polling stations.  Their main responsibilities are:

  • to open and close the polling station on time;
  • to account and be responsible for all the ballot papers, paperwork and ballot boxes;
  • ensure the requirements for secrecy and security are observed;
  • provide assistance to voters, where appropriate;
  • ensure the proper procedure for voting is followed;
  • stamp and issue ballot papers to voters; and
  • deal with candidates, agents and tellers and ensure they do not interfere with the voting process.

Poll Clerks

The Presiding Officer is assisted by one or two Poll Clerks.  The main responsibilities of Poll Clerks are:

  • to check that voters are eligible to vote at the election and at that specific polling station;
  • check and mark voters' numbers on the electoral register; and
  • to assist with any polling station duties as requested by the Presiding Officer.

The law also specifies that other certain people may be present in polling stations (in addition to polling staff, voters and police officers).

These are:

Candidates

Candidates have the right to enter and remain in a polling station, but they must not disrupt voting or attempt to canvass voters.

Election Agents

Election agents have the right to enter and remain in a polling station, but they must not disrupt voting or attempt to canvass voters.

Polling Agents

All registered parties and individual candidates contesting the election may appoint polling agents.  They have the right to enter and remain in the polling station and to observe voting. 

Not more than one polling agent may be admitted at the same time to a polling station on behalf of the same registered party or any individual candidate.

Polling agents are not allowed to interfere with the voting process and must not campaign nor canvass voters in the polling station.

Tellers

Registered parties and individual candidates may ask their supporters to act as polling station tellers.  Tellers stand outside the polling station to try and obtain the details of electors who have voted. 

Tellers have no legal status and are not allowed to enter the room where voting takes place (other than to cast their own vote).

Tellers normally sit in an anteroom or corridor, as long as they do not block the route for voters.

Good practice guidance is that tellers should not:

  • be allowed in or near the room set aside for voting - they must not be able to see or hear what is going on in the room;
  • obstruct voters' access to the polling station;
  • canvass, campaign or wear any sticker that urges voters to vote for a specific registered party or individual candidate;
  • ask voters for their registration numbers or addresses on their way in - that should be asked on the way out;
  • ask how the voter has voted;
  • ask voters to re-enter the polling station to request their polling cards;
  • be aggressive;
  • park cars emblazoned with the name of their registered party or individual candidate outside the polling station; or
  • distribute any registered part or individual materials or propaganda at the polling station.

The Presiding Officer will check on the tellers' activities from time to time and make sure that they do not block the entrance or hinder voters from entering the polling station.

For further information, please contact Woking Borough Council on 01483 755855 or email elections@woking.gov.uk