Newtown News: What are the changes in this years Local Election.

​Many people are asking me as to the changes in this Year's Local Elections and the difference between single new wards and two member wards.

As a part of my regular Tuesday radio broadcast on Newstyle Radio ​98.7FM where we do provide particularly election and voter registration information to the public, as written question was sent to Head of Birmingham Elections Office Robert Connelly whom responded as follows:

1. What is significantly different with the Election on 3rd May?

Unlike in previous years when a third of all councillors were up for re-election, this year will see the whole council up for election on new ward boundaries.
Previously the City was divided into 40 wards but from may there will be 69.

1. How many single members wards are there and how many two members wards?

There are 37 single wards and 32 two member wards.

1. In the two member wards will people be having two votes?

Yes – However if you prefer you can vote for one candidate only

1. Can people vote if they are not registered?

No – if you want to vote you must be registered.

1. How can people register to vote and what is the deadline?

The deadline for people to register is Tuesday 17th April. If you have received a poll card (which you should be receiving over the next couple of days) then you are registered and you DO NOT need to re-register.

1. If people have problems getting to the Polling stations or are working long shifts on polling day, what alternatives are available such as postal votes?

You can apply for either a postal vote or appoint a proxy. A proxy is someone who can vote on your behalf  and should therefore be someone you know and trust.

1. What is the deadline for requesting a postal vote.

To request a postal vote or to appoint a proxy you must firstly be registered as a voter yourself. Therefore you must make sure you have registered by 17th April and then to apply for a postal vote the deadline is 5.00pm on Wednesday 18th April.
The deadline to apply for a proxy vote (other than an emergency proxy) is 5pm on Wednesday 25th April.

1. How many Councillors will be elected?

Following the recent Local Government Boundary Review it was decided to reduce the number of councillors from the current 120 to 101.

1. When and where will the count take place?

The count for the City Council elections will be on Friday 4th May and the counting for Sutton Coldfield Town Council will be on Saturday 5th May.

1. When do you anticipate the result of the election to be made public?

We anticipate that the results will be declared throughout the day on the Friday, with the single member wards likely to be finished earlier than those where there are dual vacancies. The first results are likely to be available from lunchtime.
The results will be available on the Council’s website as soon as they are known. Simply go to birmingham.gov.uk

1. How long will be the term of the new council and councillors?

All 101 councillors will be elected for a 4 year term and therefore the next scheduled City Council elections after May will be in May 2022

1. Anything else you wish to add?

As a result of the Local Government Boundary Review it possible that the name of your ward has changed. Also it has meant that a number of polling stations have had to be changed as well and therefore you cannot assume that if you vote in person that your polling station will be the same as in previous years.
Therefore before you go to vote make sure you check the location of your polling station either on your official paper poll card or go on line at birmingham.gov.uk/elections and enter your post code in the polling station look up facility to find out the name of your ward and where your polling station is located.
Don’t forget it’s Your Birmingham Your Vote.

​You can register to vote here.

​This information is for "Everyone and not the chosen few"

D.Jaddoo
​28th March 2018
 

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