Polling Districts and Polling Places Interim Review 2026

We are carrying out an interim review of polling districts, polling places and polling stations.

By law, councils must regularly review their polling arrangements to ensure residents have reasonable and accessible facilities for voting. While the next statutory review is not due until 2028, this interim review is being undertaken to consider polling stations that we are aware may no longer available or suitable.

As part of the review, we will consult the acting returning officer, local councillors, parish councils, political parties, community organisations, charities and disability groups. Feedback received during this public consultation will be considered before final recommendations are made.

The outcome of the review will be presented to Council on 3rd December 2026.

We want to hear your views on the named polling district arrangements. Any registered elector may make representations on the current and proposed arrangements. We welcome comments and suggestions from anyone with expertise in improving access for people with any type of disability.

Where possible, people making representations should suggest alternative places that may be used as polling places.

Take part in the consultation

The Council will undertake a public consultation over a four-week period, the dates of which will be set out in the Notice of Interim Review.

Once the consultation period opens, representations can be submitted:

Using the online consultation form
Via email at elections@bassetlaw.gov.uk

Or via letter addressed to the Returning Officer at the address below:

Bassetlaw District Council
Queen’s Buildings
Potter Street
Worksop
S80 2AH

All representations will be considered before final recommendations are made. Those making a representation should be aware that they will be published. Those submitted by anybody acting in an official capacity (MP, Councillor, Returning Officer) will be published in full, including the name of the person making the representation.

Those representations submitted by an organisation, including a political party, will be published with the identity of the organisation included (with the name of any individual representing the organisation removed).

Terms of Reference for the Interim Review of Polling Districts and Polling Stations 2026

Introduction and Purpose

This Interim Review of Polling Districts, Polling Places and Polling Stations is undertaken in accordance with the provisions of the Representation of the People Act 1983 (as amended), the Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013 and taking into account the Elections Act 2022.

The purpose of the Review is to ensure that polling arrangements across the Bassetlaw District enable electors to vote easily and conveniently, and that polling places are accessible to disabled electors. This Review does not consider changes to parliamentary constituency boundaries, local government ward boundaries or town / parish council boundaries.

Definitions

To assist those wishing to make a representation, the following terms are used throughout this Review:

Polling District – a geographical area into which wards and constituencies may be sub divided – these are designated by the local authority;
Polling Place – the building or area in which a polling stations will be located – these are decided by the local authority;
Polling Station –the room(s) or area(s) within the polling place where the voting actually takes place – these are decided by the Returning Officer.

Scope of the Review

The Review will consider the following polling districts:

The Review will take into account:

The designation, and suitability, of polling places for each polling district;
The location of polling stations within each polling place;
The suitability and accessibility of polling stations;
The geographical boundary of each polling district;
The names and references of each polling district;
Whether or not there is a need to merge, create, delete or otherwise alter polling districts;
Any possible alternative polling places which may be more suitable or more convenient than existing polling places or stations; and
The suitability of any potential polling places and stations where there are any changes made to polling districts.

The Review will not consider:

Parliamentary constituency boundaries;
District Council boundaries;
District ward boundaries;
Boundaries of town or parish councils or their warding arrangements;
Electoral law outside of the legislation which relates to polling district, polling place and polling station arrangements

Conduct of the Review

The Council will:

Publish a Notice of Interim Review at the commencement of the process;
Publish a list of current Polling Districts and Polling Stations contained within them as part of the consultation process;
Consult the Returning Officer on current and proposed arrangements;
Invite representations from a variety of individuals and organisations
including:
- Local MPs;
- The Returning Officer;
- Electors;
- Councillors;
- Town / Parish Councils;
- Political parties;
- Disability representative groups;
- Community groups; and
- Any other relevant stakeholders
Publish representations received, including those from the Returning Officer;
Publish final proposals;
Publish an updated electoral register based upon the outcome of the Review.

Assessment Criteria

In assessing polling districts, polling places and polling stations, the Review will consider:

Accessibility for all electors and, particularly, those with disabilities;
Convenience for electors within the polling district;
Transport links and proximity;
Size, layout and suitability of premises;
Health and safety considerations including staff welfare provisions; and
Availability and sustainability of premises

Timetable

Date	Action
16th October 2026	Publication of formal notice of review
16th October 2026 – 13th November 2026	Public consultation on the review
25th November 2026	Publication of the RO’s comments and final proposals
3rd December 2026	Meeting of full Council at which the final recommendations from the review will be considered. If there are any changes to polling districts the electoral register would need to be republished on 1st February 2027. Arrangements are due to come into force in May 2027.

Last Updated on Friday, October 16, 2026