Use of Schools

The current policy is that schools should not be used, where there is a reasonable and viable alternative. This is not always possible. Whilst regulations permit the Returning Officer to use schools as polling stations, every effort will be made to ensure that the school remains open on polling day, although ultimately this decision lies with the school itself. Any alternate suggestions for other suitable venues will be considered.

 

Overall Number of Polling Stations

There are no legislative limits on the number of polling stations an authority can provide. However, when considering numbers, there needs to be sufficient to run efficient and effective elections, which are as accessible and convenient to the electorate as possible and which follow the principle set out above.