Polling station changes approved ahead of May all-out local elections

Changes to St Helens Borough polling station venues ahead of May elections

A review of the borough’s polling districts, polling places and polling stations has concluded as St Helens Borough Council formally approves recommendations.

The review was prompted by an earlier review of the borough’s ward boundaries, carried out by the independent Local Government Boundary Commission. 

Following public consultation, the boundary review resulted in various changes to most existing ward boundaries and the creation of two new wards, with the aim of ensuring that councillors equally represent about the same number of electors per ward, and that ward arrangements are working effectively. 

Because of these changes, a review of polling districts, polling places and polling stations had to be undertaken – also subject to public consultation – to ensure that all voters have fair and reasonable access to in-person voting facilities. 

The review of polling districts and stations, changes to ward boundaries and the creation of two new wards mean that voters must pay close attention to the information on their poll cards, when they start to receive them – as their usual polling station or potentially their ward may have changed. 

This first mailing to electors to confirm polling arrangements will be from 8 February, followed by delivery of poll cards from 24 March. 

The new polling arrangements are now in place ready for the borough’s first ‘all-out’ or whole-council elections on 5 May, when elections will be held for all 48 seats on the council at the same time – and every four years afterwards. 

Whole-council elections: 

  • Provide stability for the council to adopt a more strategic, long-term approach to policy and decision making. 
  • Can reduce costs. By reducing the number of elections held from three to one this would save approximately £150,000 over a 4-year period. 
  • And provide greater opportunity for residents to influence overall political control of the council, which may encourage more people to vote. 

Councillor Martin Bond, St Helens Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance and Governance, said: “With both reviews now completed and the views of our residents incorporated into the outcomes, we’re now ready for the borough’s first whole-council elections. This has been a significant undertaking for the council’s electoral team and I thank them for their hard work.  

“It’s important now that residents take note of any changes to their usual polling arrangements when they receive their poll cards and seize this opportunity to make their vote count when all 48 council seats are contested in May.” 

For more information about the upcoming elections visit www.sthelens.gov.uk/localelections2022

View the full list of polling stations for 2022 and all documents related to the polling review.

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