Stourport Town Council by-election date announced

A by-election for a vacancy on the Stourport Town Council in the Stour & Wilden ward will be held on Tuesday 27 February.

The by-election is being held following the death of John Holden in December last year.

All households in the Wyre Forest district were canvassed in recent months to confirm that eligible people are registered to vote. 89% of Stour & Wilden residents confirmed their registration. However, if any resident in Stour & Wilden is uncertain about whether they are registered, they can check if their name is on the Register of Electors by calling the Elections Team on 01562 732733.

For anyone who has not already registered, the deadline for registering to vote is midnight on Friday 9 February 2018.  It is quick and easy to do online by visiting www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.  Anyone without access to the internet can get a paper copy of the registration form from the Worcestershire Hub at the Town Hall in Kidderminster.

Voters can also vote by post or proxy. Anyone can apply for a postal vote which allows voters much greater flexibility about when they complete their ballot paper.  Anyone not already registered for a postal or proxy vote will need to complete an application form, which is available from www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk/voting.  The deadline for new postal voting requests is 5.00pm on Monday 12 February  2018.  For proxy votes it is 5.00pm on Monday 19 February 2018. 

Any resident wishing to stand in the election needs to complete and submit signed nomination papers by 4.00pm on Wednesday 31 January 2108.  More information about being a Councillor is available from www.beacouncillor.co.uk

Ian Miller, Returning Officer said:

“I would encourage any resident in the ward who is not already on the electoral register to check and apply as soon as possible - for example if you have recently moved into the area.  This includes anyone who has recently turned 18 or will do so before polling day. I would also suggest that people request a postal vote, if they would prefer the convenience of completing their ballot paper at home or don’t think they will be able to get to the polling station on Tuesday 27 February. Anyone can apply to vote by post.”

The polling station will be St Michaels Scout HQ, Mitton Close,Stourport-on- Severn. Voting will be open from 7am until 10pm.

The count will be held in the Council Chamber at Wyre Forest House, starting at 10pm on Tuesday 27 February.  This will be webcast and will be available from www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk/webcast.

Meanwhile electors in Cookley will go to the polls on Wednesday 31 January 2018.   A by-election is being held to fill a vacancy within the Cookley  ward of Wolverley & Cookley Parish Council.  The polling station is Cookley Village Hall, Lea Lane and it will be open between 7am and 10pm. Postal votes have been sent out and anyone voting by post is requested to return their ballot paper as soon as possible.