Polling Districts and Polling Places Review 2024
What is a Polling District and Polling Places review?
In accordance with the Representation of the People Act 1983 and the Electoral Administration Act 2013, local authorities must undertake a review of all polling districts and polling places used for parliamentary elections every five years.
A polling district is a geographical area that is set for election purposes, and electors who live in the same polling district go to the same polling place to vote. The polling place should be located within the border of the geographical area, if possible.
A polling place is the whole building or area where your polling station is located and where you go to vote. There may be more than one polling station inside the same polling place, depending on how many voters need to vote there.
Purpose of the review
The purpose of the review is to ensure voters have reasonable and practical facilities for voting and that, as far as is reasonable and practicable, polling places are accessible to all electors, and meet the needs of disabled persons.
The Council requested feedback on any aspect of the polling districts and/or polling places currently used and invited representation and comments from interested persons. Local political parties and Councillors were also consulted, and views are invited from electors and local community groups within the district.
Most recent review
The most recent review was completed in December 2024, with the final report considered at the Full Council meeting on Monday 16 December (item 45 refers). The following changes were agreed:
- A new polling location at Graven Hill for Polling District CCC1, being a mobile station until the community building is built. Electors in this area currently vote at Langford village centre.
- Electors in polling district CBX1 voting at Langford village centre in Bicester, rather than The Garth.
- Electors in polling district CBH2 voting at Hardwick Community Centre in Banbury, rather than Hanwell Fields.
- A change in location in Charlton-on-Otmoor, from St Mary the Virgin Church to the Community Hall.