FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ELECTIONS
How can I check if I am on the Electoral Register?
To check if you are on the Electoral Register, please contact Horsham District Council’s Electoral Services Department on (01403) 215126.
I am not on the Electoral Register – can I vote in an election?
For each election, a date is published after which it is not possible to add people to the Electoral Register. Make sure you are registered before this date.
However, if residents have been previously registered in another authority, then they will be able to get a postal vote from that authority to enable them to vote.
I’m going to be on holiday when there is an election – how can I vote?
You can apply for a postal vote by completing the application form available from Electoral Services on 01403 215126 or email elections@horsham.gov.uk. Applications for a postal vote must be received by a particular date before an election, which will be advertised.
Postal ballot papers are sent out approximately 7-10 days before an election – if this clashes with the dates of any holiday/absence, then residents are invited to appoint a proxy voter to vote on their behalf. Applications for proxy voting are also available using the contact details above.
The address for returning postal vote and proxy voting application forms is:
Electoral Services,
Horsham District Council
Park North, North Street
Horsham
West Sussex RH12 1RL
How can I find out who the candidates are for an election?
The candidates for a Parliamentary or District/Parish Council election are published on this website in the run up to polling day.
County Council electoral nominations are available on West Sussex County Council’s website. Alternatively, the County Council can be contacted on (01243) 777100.
How do I know which polling station to visit? Can I vote at any polling station in the District?
Residents can only vote at their allocated Polling Station – this is to reduce electoral fraud. Information about allocated polling stations is printed on the front of each polling card.
Additionally, each poll card has a voter registration number on the front. The prefix to this number is the key to which Polling Station residents will have to visit.
Which hours are the polling stations open?
All polling stations are open between 7am and 10pm on polling day, irrespective of which election is taking place. Votes can be cast between these hours.
When will the poll cards be received? What information will be on them?
Poll cards are sent out across the District 2-3 weeks before an election.
See below for a poll card example.
Where will the results of the elections be publicised?
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Results of national elections are generally published in all media early on the following morning. This will include TV, radio and late published newspapers.
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Results of County Council elections are published on the West Sussex County Council website. The information is also available by telephoning County Hall on (01243) 777100.
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Results of District and Parish elections are published on the Horsham District Council website or by telephoning the Council Offices on (01403) 215100. The results are also available at the Election count.
What were the results of past elections?
Results of previous elections in the Horsham District can be found on the Horsham District Council website.
How can I find out more information about the forthcoming elections?
Further information can be gained from:
Electoral Services
Horsham District Council
Park North, North Street
Horsham
West Sussex RH12 1RL
(01403) 215280
elections@horsham.gov.uk