Even more about Elections...

There are many different aspects about the whole election process. The overall structure takes a simple hierarchial form. Parish and Town Councils operate at the bottom moving up to District Councils, County Councils and at the top is the UK Parliamentary and European Parliamentary level. Electoral Services are responsible for arranging all public elections for these different governmental bodies.

The Returning Officer is the person with ultimate responsibility for the elections and is appointed by the Local Authority. He/she is required to conduct the election in accordance with the relevant legislation and will often appoint an "Acting or Deputy Returning Officer" to deal with the day to day administration of the election process.

Although each tier of the government pyramid receive differing levels of publicity, each is as important as the next. Without any one of them the system would break down. Before an election, notices will be displayed in prominent places around the District saying when it is due to take place. The notice will also state when candidate nominations should be made.

Polling Stations are located in each Polling District and are chosen to be as convenient as possible for the electorate, with access for people with disabilities being a significant factor. However, we recognise that there are still some voters who will be unable to go to their Polling Station on the day of the election. If this is the case these voters may wish to consider voting by post or proxy.

Elections in the UK are conducted by secret ballot, generally by voting within a Polling Station. However, this is not the only way in which votes may be cast. Further information on the various methods of voting may be found by following the links.

For information on the assistance available to people with disabilities to help them to vote and for details of the premises that we use as Polling Stations please click on the appropriate link.

To find out more about elections for the elected bodies representing the people of Hart or about the elected representatives for the area follow the links.

The right to vote of everyone who is eligible is a fundamental democratic right. It makes sense to use your vote. For information about the next elections in Hart or about the history of the right to vote please select the appropriate link.

European / Parliament / Local Authorities / Parish & Town Councils