Detailed Information on Parish Elections for May 2021
This content provides detailed information on the upcoming Parish Elections scheduled for May 6, 2021, in Northumberland. It includes key dates, roles of officers, nomination procedures, and support resources for Parish Clerks and prospective candidates. The timetable, potential number of elections, and the importance of assistance from Parishes are highlighted. Nomination packs can be obtained from March 1 onwards, and the role of Parish Clerks in coordinating the nominations is emphasized.
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Parish Elections 6 May 2021 Parish Nomination Briefing - 2 March 2021 Returning Officer - Kelly Angus Election Manager - Mark Crawford Senior Support - Annie Howliston and Jane Higgins 01670 624811 electionnominations@northumberland.gov.uk
Introduction Briefing will guide Parish Clerks through the nomination period and beyond. Available online: www.northumberland.gov.uk Nomination Guidance for Parish Clerks and Prospective Parish Councillors. Nomination video How to complete your nomination paper. RO is not able to offer any legal advice. Useful guidance: Candidates - www.electoralcommission.org.uk Parish clerks - www.nalc.gov.uk
Timetable PARISH ELECTIONS 6 MAY 2021 STATUTORY EVENT WORKING DAYS BEFORE POLL TIME DATE Publication of Notice of Election 26 March Delivery of nomination papers (Times and locations on the Notice of Election) 29 March Deadline for delivery of nomination papers -19 4pm 8 April Deadline for withdrawal from nomination -19 4pm 8 April Deadline for publication of Statement of Persons Nominated -18 4pm 9 April Last day to register to vote -12 19 April Deadline for new postal vote applications and cancellation/amendment of existing postal and proxy applications -11 5pm 20 April Deadline publication of notice of poll -6 27 April Deadline for proxy applications (not proxy postal or emergency proxy) -6 5pm 27 April First day to apply for an emergency proxy (Emergency must have occurred from today after 5pm) -6 After 5pm 27 April Deadline for polling and counting agents -5 28 April Polling day 0 7pm 10pm 6 May Deadline for return of expenses (parish) from ALL candidates, even if NIL! Of the declaration of result of election unless last day falls on weekend/bank holiday day moves to following day +28 3 June
Potential elections 232 individual parish elections returning 1,232 parish councillors. Enormous task for election staff and Parish Clerks. Assistance and support from Parishes is essential in the co- ordination of nominations and publication of notices.
Nomination packs and register Copies available from 1 March by contacting the election s office: 01670 624811 electionnominations@northumberland.gov.uk RO to supply Parish Clerks with relevant packs for their area. Registers supplied on request and supplied in paper or data format. Use the updated version (2 March) as may invalidate nomination. Registers must only be used to: 1. To complete nomination form 2. Help your campaign
Informal nomination check appointment Informal checks of nominations by appointment - strongly advised before formal submission. Checks and submission diary appointments made from 1 March. 10 minutes to check and process a nomination arising issues will extend this. Parish clerks encouraged to distribute nominations where possible.
Informal checks and delivery of nominations Nomination period - 29 March 8 April Nomination papers submitted EARLY to allow time for amendments. Informal checks by appointment between 9am and 4pm, at the following venues: 29 March, 30 March, 31 March, 1 April, 6 April, 7 April: Alnwick Council Offices, Greenwell Lane, Greenwell Road, NE66 1HB Berwick-upon-Tweed Northumberland Info Centre, Berwick Library, Walkergate, TD15 1DB Hexham Northumberland Info Centre, Queens Hall, Beaumont Street, Hexham, NE46 3LS 29 March, 30 March, 31 March, 1 April, 6 April, 7 April, 8 April: Morpeth County Hall, Morpeth, NE61 2EF
What needs to be submitted by close of nominations All candidates MUST deliver by hand (not by post, fax or email): 1a - Nomination paper 1b - Consent to Nomination 1c - Home Address form Political party candidates need to submit (by hand or post): 2 - Certificate of Authorisation (use of a party name/registered description on the ballot paper) 3 - Written request to use one of the party s registered emblems by the candidate.
Home address form New form: Part 1 must be completed by everyone Include the same name and address of the person witnessing the candidates consent to nomination Part 2 only complete this if you do not wish your address to appear on notices and the ballot paper Complete the relevant area ("Northumberland" if that's where you live not the name of the Parish or Parish Ward)
Agents You may appoint Agents to observe: Postal vote opening - RO to give information on number of agents permitted. Polling agents Entitled to observe procedures at polling stations one agent per candidate at a station at any time Counting agent Returning Officer to give information on number of agents permitted
Withdrawal of nomination Deadline same time and day as close of nominations! Notice of withdrawal signed by candidate and witnessed - hand delivered to the Returning Officer.
Close of nominations Contested and Uncontested elections More candidates than vacancies election held. If number of candidates is less or equal to number of seats - no election, candidates elected unopposed. Returning Officer to issue notice to Parish giving names and addresses of new councillors.
Status after polling day Quorate parishes: If parish has a quorum may co-opt to capacity as soon as practicably possible. No notice of vacancy is required - covered by original notice of election. Inquorate parishes: If parish does not have a quorum - will not be able to co-opt. Members Per Parish Quorum 5 to 9 3 10 to 12 4 13 to 15 5 Further election will be required to be held within 35 days of polling day to fill remaining seats - Parishes will be liable for full costs.
Return of election expenses 806, plus 7p every entry in the electoral register area standing in. Within 28 days of declaration of result, ALL candidates (elected or not) MUST submit: 1. Return of Election expenses. 2. Declaration by Candidate as to election expenses If no expenditure is incurred - NIL RETURN is required. Returning Officer role is to act as a post box only.
Answers to commonly asked questions 1. 2. 3. You can stand for election in different parishes. You can only stand for election in one ward of the same parish. The Proposer and Seconder can support as many nominations as there are vacancies in the Parish or Parish ward. The Proposer and Seconder must be registered in the parish. If the parish is warded, the ward of that parish that the candidate is standing in. Description of a candidate on the nomination paper is optional and can be left blank. Anyone can witness the Consent to Nomination. Anyone can deliver the nomination paper does not need to be the candidate. There are no Election Agents at parish elections. Any election expenses incurred by a candidate are not refunded. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
