Local Government (Borough) and Parish Council Elections - 4 May 2023
On Thursday 4 May 2023 Elections will take place to elect Councillors to the Darlington Borough Council and ten Parish Councils.
Residents can vote for who they wish to represent them.
The Elections Act 2022 brings a number of changes, such as the need for voters to provide photographic ID. For more information see our Elections Act 2022 page.
To be able to vote in the May elections you must be registered to vote. If you are not already registered, you can do so online at the GOV.UK website [external link].
If you would like to stand as a candidate further information can be found on our Stand for Election - Borough and Parish Elections page.
You can vote in these elections either
- in person at the polling station - you will be required to show photographic identification (ID);
- by post how to apply for a postal vote; or
- by proxy (someone voting on your behalf) how to apply for a proxy vote.
What photographic ID will be accepted?
Gov.uk has a full list of accepted photo ID [external link].
What if I don't have an accepted form of ID?
If you do not have any of the accepted photo ID, and you want to vote at a polling station, you will need to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate (VAC) or your can apply to vote by post.
Apply for a Voter Authority Certificate
Alternatively, you can complete a paper application form. If you need any help with applying for a Voter Authority Certificate or want to request an application form, contact [email protected] or call 01325 406444.
For more information on Voter ID and applying for a Voter Authority Certificate (VAC) see our Elections Act 2022 page or the Voter ID - Your Guide [pdf document].
Deadlines for registering, applying for a postal or proxy vote, applying Voter Authority Certificate, publication of notices, etc., are included in the timetable below.
Events relevant to the election will be added to this timetable
|
Date |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Friday 24 March March 2022 |
Publication of Notice of Election |
|
Friday 24 March to 4 April 2023 (between 10.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. weekdays only) |
Nomination Packs to be collected from, and completed nomination packs to be returned to, Customer Services, Town Hall, Feethams, Darlington, DL1 5QT. No appointments necessary however if you wish to make an appointment please contact [email protected]. Informal checks can be undertaken throughout this period. |
|
Friday 24 March 2023 |
Poll Letters Posted (for those registered by Friday 10 March 2023) |
|
5.00 p.m. Monday 27 March 2023 (tbc) |
Pre Nomination briefing for Candidates and Agents (Town Hall, Feethams, Darlington, DL1 5QT) |
|
4.00 p.m. Tuesday 4 April 2023 |
Deadline for Receipt of Nominations |
|
|
Deadline for withdrawal of candidacy |
|
|
Deadline for Appointment of Election Agents |
|
|
Publication of Notice of Election Agents |
|
4.00 p.m. Wednesday 5 April 2023 |
Publication of Statements of Persons Nominated (notice including details of the candidates) |
|
5.00 p.m. Wednesday 5 April 2023 |
Post Nomination briefing for Candidates Agents (Town Hall, Feethams, Darlington, DL1 5QT) |
|
Wednesday 12 April 2023 |
Overseas Postal Votes posted (for those applications received prior to Monday 3 April 2023) |
|
Monday 17 April 2023 |
Postal Votes posted (for those applications received prior to Monday 3 April 2023) |
|
11:59 Monday 17 April 2023 |
Deadline to register to vote |
|
5.00 p.m. Tuesday 18 April 2023 |
Deadline for receipt of new applications to vote by post or make changes to existing postal or proxy voting arrangements |
|
Friday 21 April 2022 |
Poll letters posted for those electors registering between 10 March 2023 and before 18 April 2023 |
|
Saturday 22nd April 2023 |
Postal Votes posted (for those applications received between Monday 3 and 18 April 2023) |
|
5.00 p.m. Tuesday 25 April 2023 |
Deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate [external website] |
|
|
Publication of Notice of Poll |
|
5.00 p.m. Tuesday 25 April 2022 |
Deadline for new applications to vote by proxy |
|
Wednesday 26 April 2023 |
Deadline for Appointment of Poll and Count Agents |
|
|
Deadline for applying for a Voter Authority Certificate |
|
Thursday 27 April 2023 |
First day to issue replacement postal ballot papers |
|
5.00 p.m. Thursday 4 May 2023 |
Last date to issue replacement postal ballot papers |
|
10.00 a.m. Friday 5 May 2023 |
Verification and Counting of Votes (Please note that only Candidates, Agents and invites guests are able to attend) |
We post several documents for each election, once published, they will be added below when available.
Borough Council Notice of Election [pdf document]
Parish Council Notice of Election [pdf document]