Elections 2010 - FAQs
There are elections in 17 borough wards this year. There will also be a General Election on the same day.
We've put together some frequently asked questions to help you understand the process.
I am not on the register but can I still vote in May?
If you are not on the register you can apply to go on for this election up to 20 April 2010. We must have had a completed form back by then. If you want to go onto the register or check if you are already on it then contact us on 01257 515132 or email us.
My friend has received a poll card - why haven't I?
First you need to check if you are on the register. Secondly, you don't need a poll card to vote. If you are on the register and you are not registered for a postal vote then you can go to the polling station for your area, give the poll clerk your name and address and you will be allowed to vote.
My friend has received two poll cards but I only received one?
Those eligible to vote in both parliamentary and local elections will have received both a yellow poll card and a white poll card. You may have only received a poll card for one election either because there's no local elections in your area or you may be ineligible to vote in the General Election.
Can I have a postal vote?
You can still apply but we must have your form back by 5pm on April 20 2010. If you want a form contact us on 01257 515132 or email us.
I don't want a postal vote - can I cancel it?
Yes, up until 5pm on April 20 2010. To cancel contact us on 01257 515132 or email us.
I am going on holiday - when will the postal votes be delivered?
If you already have a postal vote the postal vote packs will be delivered about April 22 2010. (If you applied for a postal vote after March 26 2010 or only applied to be included on the register after March 26 2010, then your postal votes will be delivered around April 27 2010.
I will be on holiday when the postal votes are delivered and won't be able to use it. Can someone else vote for me instead?
In this case you can appoint a proxy, which is someone who will go to the polling station on polling day and vote on your behalf. The deadline for this is not later than 5pm on April 27 2010. You must have cancelled your postal vote by 5pm on April 20 2010.
If you wish to do either of these then contact us on 01257 515132 or email us.
I will be on holiday or away from home on May 6 and won't be able to get to a polling station
In this case you can either apply for a postal vote or a proxy vote.
The deadline for a postal vote is 5pm on 20 April 2010when we must have received your fully completed and signed form. If you want to apply for a postal vote call 01257 515132.
If you want to apply for a proxy vote (which is appointing someone to go to a polling station and vote on your behalf) the deadline for us to receive your fully completed form is 5pm on 27 April 2010.If you want a form for this call 01257 515132.
Why have I got a poll card when I have a postal vote?
We now send out a poll card to everyone on the register in areas where there are elections. This includes a postal vote poll card to registered postal voters.
I've received my postal vote but finding it complicated - can you explain what I have to do?
If you're having difficulties then contact us on 01257 515132 and we'll be happy to talk you through the process
Please not that if you have a postal vote you won't be able to vote at a polling station instead.
I've only got one ballot paper in my pack
That is correct this year. Each pack should only contain one ballot paper.
I've spoiled my postal vote and/or ballot pack
If you accidentally spoil your ballot paper, you can apply for a replacement from 29 April 2010 to 5pm on May 6 2010. You however need to call into the Elections Office for a replacement and produce 2 forms of ID to prove who you are.The address for the elections office is: Town Hall, Market Street, Chorley, Lancs, PR7 1DP. Call 01257 515132 to make arrangements.
Can I take my postal vote to a polling station?
If you wish you can take your postal vote to a polling station but it must be one that is within the area you are voting in. This must be the full postal vote pack (as if you were posting it back) and you should hand this to the polling station staff.
You CANNOT place this in the ballot box. Likewise you cannot just deliver your postal ballot paper to the polling station. It must be the full postal voting pack that is handed in.
Why have I got two postal vote packs?
In some areas of Chorley there are Local Elections as well as a General Election. If you are in one of these areas and you are entitled to vote in both of these elections then you should have two separate packs.
If you have two packs, please complete each pack separately and DO NOTmix up the stationery.
