An election is a process used to choose Councillors, Parish Councillors, Members of Parliament and Members of the European Parliament, by a system of voting. All elections held in Darlington across 24 Wards, including Parish elections on behalf of our 12 Parish Councils (and European, Parliamentary and Referendums on behalf of the Home Office) are organised by Darlington Borough Council.
When Are Elections Held?
The dates of future forth-coming elections are detailed below:-
| Type of Election |
Frequency |
Date/Year of Next Election |
| Local Elections |
Every 4 years (first Thursday in May) |
5th May, 2011 |
| Parliamentary Elections |
Maximum 5 Year Term |
Not Later than 2010 |
| European Elections |
Every 4 Years (first Thursday in May) |
June 2009 |
Bye-Elections
In addition to the above, bye-elections are called when a vacancy arises in one of the Council’s Ward or Parishes, for instance, if a member of the Council resigns.
How Can I Vote?
You can only vote in elections if your name is on the Register of Electors. You are eligible to vote if you are:
- 18 years old or over
- a British, Commonwealth, Irish or European Union Citizen
- a member of HM Forces or their spouse
- a crown servant employed outside the United Kingdom
European citizens are allowed to vote in European and Local elections only. Overseas electors are allowed to vote in Parliamentary and European elections only.
Poll cards are delivered shortly before an election. Each member of the household who is eligible to vote should receive a poll card, which informs them of the date of the election, where their polling station is and the hours of poll. You do not need to take the poll card with you to be able to vote.
If you are unable to go to your polling station on election day you can apply for what is referred to as an ‘absent vote’ which involves either applying for a postal vote to your home or alternative address or appointing a proxy to vote on your behalf.
For more information on elections and your eligibility to vote, please contact Democratic Services.
Useful Links
Electoral Commission
Department for Constitutional Affairs
About My Vote
How to contact us...
By E-Mail to Elections@darlington.gov.uk
By phone (01325) 388351
In writing to Democratic Services
Corporate Services Department
Town Hall
Darlington
DL1 5QT