Wolverley & Cookley Parish Council by-election date announced

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.

All households in the Wyre Forest district were canvassed in recent months to confirm that eligible people are registered to vote. 96% of Cookley residents confirmed their registration. However, if any resident in Cookley 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 732762.

For anyone who has not already registered, the deadline for registering to vote is midnight on  Monday 15 January 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.

The polling station will be Cookley Village Hall, Lea Lane and it will be open between 7am and 10pm on Wednesday 31 January 2018.

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 Tuesday 16 January 2018.  For proxy votes it is 5.00pm on Tuesday 23 January 2018. 

Any resident wishing to stand in the election needs to complete and submit signed nomination papers by 4.00pm on Thursday 4 January 2018.  More information about being a Councillor is available from www.beacouncillor.co.uk.

Ian Miller, Returning Officer, said:

“I would encourage any Cookley resident 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 village.  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 Wednesday 31 January. Anyone can apply to vote by post.”

The count will be held in the Council Chamber at Wyre Forest House, starting at 10pm on Wednesday 31 January.  This will be webcast and will be available from www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk/webcast.