Elections FAQ
When is the next election?
Where do I go to vote/Where is my Polling Station?
Am I eligible for a postal vote?
How do I apply for a postal vote?
Is there a deadline for applying for a postal vote?
When will my postal vote arrive?
What elections can I vote in?
What is a proxy vote?
Where can I find out about ballot secrecy?
What provision is there for people with disabilities?
What provision is there for wheelchair users?
What provision is there for blind voters?
What provision is there for people with learning difficulties?
What provision is there for non-English speakers?
When is the next election?
The next election in the Lancaster City Council area is scheduled for May 2011. This is the Lancaster City Council election, where all local Borough Councillors will be up for election.
For further information on other elections in the Lancaster area please go to the elections page.
Where do I go to vote/Where is my polling station?
A Poll Card should be delivered to you prior to polling day giving details of your polling station.
Am I eligible for a postal vote?
Yes, provided you are registered to vote.
How do I apply for a postal vote?
You can apply for a postal vote by completing an application form to request an application form, please contact us by emailing elections@lancaster.gov.uk or by telephoning 01524 582905
Is there a deadline for applying for a postal vote?
The deadline for applying for a postal vote is 11 days before the date of poll.
When will my postal vote arrive?
Approximately one week prior to an election.
What elections can I vote in?
If your nationality is UK, Irish, or Commonwealth then you are entitled to vote in all UK elections provided you are registered to vote.
If you are from a European Union country then you can vote in local elections and also European Parliamentary elections, provided you complete a declaration.
A full list of all European Union and Commonwealth countries and UK dependencies is available.
What is a proxy vote?
Only those with a specific reason, such as a disability, or being overseas can apply to vote by proxy on a long-term basis. To vote by proxy for just one election you must have a reason – e.g. you will be on holiday.
Where can I find out about ballot secrecy?
Numbers on ballot papers have been in place since the 1872 Ballot Secrecy Act. They are in place to prevent impersonation but can only be matched up with an elector by Court Order.
For further information on Ballot Secrecy and a factsheet please visit the Electoral Commission’s website.
Access Issues
What provision is there for people with disabilities?
Local authorities have to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act and other laws.
What provision is there for wheelchair users?
Each polling station is different, however most polling stations in the Lancaster area are currently accessible to wheelchair users, those that do not have direct access are provided with ramps on polling day.
What provision is there for blind voters?
Tactile voting templates and large print ballot papers are available at all polling stations. You can take a companion with you to assist you or ask the Presiding Officer at the polling station for help. Or you could request a postal vote or appoint a proxy.
What provision is there for people with learning difficulties?
Provisions vary between local authorities.
The Electoral Commission provides an Easy Guide to Voting leaflet.
What provision is there for non-English speakers?
All ballot papers are in English – this is the law.