21 March 2019

Please note: this news article is in our archive. Articles were correct at time of publication, but should not be relied on for accuracy after the passage of time.

Elections for District, Parish and Town Councils in Mid Sussex have been called and will take place on Thursday 2 May 2019.

All registered British, Irish, European Union and resident Commonwealth electors living in Mid Sussex can take part. Candidate nominations have begun and will remain open until 4pm on Wednesday 3 April 2019.

A helpful brochure giving details on the role of District Councillors has been published online at www.midsussex.gov.uk, to assist anyone considering standing for election. The brochure, called Being a Councillor, gives details on the wide-ranging role of a Councillor and their main areas of responsibility, including ward representation, decision-making and community leadership.

Candidate nomination forms are available from the Mid Sussex District Council elections office or website at www.midsussex.gov.uk/elections.

Parish and Town Councils will also be holding elections and residents are encouraged to contact their local clerk if they are interested in getting involved at Town or Parish level.

Tom Clark, the Returning Officer for Mid Sussex said:

“Now is the time for residents to check that they are registered. Everyone who has moved house recently and has not completed a voter registration form should apply online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote or contact our Electoral Services Department as soon as possible.”

Residents are reminded that Mid Sussex will be taking part in a government Voter ID pilot on 2 May and everyone who votes at the polling station will be asked to present their poll cards as a means of identification. Anyone who does not have their poll card with them on polling day will be asked to present another form of photo ID including a UK or EU photo-card driving licence (full or provisional) or a valid British, European or Commonwealth passport. A full list of allowable alternative IDs is published on www.midsussex.gov.uk/elections.

The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on Monday 15 April and anyone who wishes to appoint a proxy to vote on their behalf must do so by 5pm on Wednesday 24 April 2019. Residents who wish to appoint a proxy voter must explain why the proxy is required and if proxy voting is chosen for all future elections then evidence must be provided to support the application.

If you have any questions regarding nominations, your registration or the electoral process please contact the Mid Sussex District Council Electoral Registration Office on 01444 477003 or email elections@midsussex.gov.uk.

Additional guidance about being a candidate and the various election procedures is available online from the Electoral Commission at www.electoralcommission.org.uk.