How can I have my say on how Northamptonshire is run?
Elections are your opportunity to have your say on how the county is run.
The county council elections will be held on 5 May 2005; they may coincide with the general election, when you vote for a Member of Parliament.
Voting for councillors, and MPs for national government, is your chance to influence how the county is run for the next four years.
Anyone living in Northamptonshire can vote in the forthcoming election as long as they are
- over 18 years old, and
- a British or Commonwealth citizen.
What do county councillors do?
County councillors make important decisions on local issues that affect our everyday lives, such as education, social care, transport, the environment and future developments in Northamptonshire.
As your elected representatives, councillors are required to listen to the views of their constituents and find out what really matters to you. They then represent your views in meetings.
There are 73 councillors, who make up the Council and its Committees.
Find out more about your existing councillor
How do I register to vote?
You must be on the electoral register to vote.
- The last day for registering to vote is 11 March 2005 by 5.00pm
- If you are already registered to vote and wish to register for a postal vote or proxy vote (someone voting on your behalf) the last day to register is 19 April 2005 by 5.00pm
If you have any questions about registering to vote, please contact the electoral registration officer at your district or borough council.
Click here to see contact details for Northamptonshire’s borough and district councils
How to Vote
If you have registered to vote you will receive your official poll card in the next few weeks. The Poll Card will advise you which division you are in and where your local polling station is located.
People have the opportunity to vote in different ways: These are:-
Voting in Person – If you have chosen to vote in person on the 5th May 2005 then no further action is required until the day of the election. You can vote at your polling station between the hours of 7.00am and 10.00pm. You will be presented with two ballot papers: one for the County Council Elections and one for the General Election.
One your ballot papers you will be asked to mark a cross (X) in the box to the right of the name of the candidate or party you wish to vote for. You should not make any other mark on your paper, or your vote may not be counted.
Who can become a councillor?
Anyone who is over 18 and is a British or Commonwealth citizen can stand to become a councillor (as long as you don’t have a criminal record). Councillors come from all walks of life and the broader the mix the better, as they represent the population of Northamptonshire.
All you need is
- some time to spare – about 10 to 15 hours per week for basic duties, up to 20 to 25 hours if you take on special responsibilities
- enthusiasm for democracy and representing your community.
If elected, you will receive training and support to help you to undertake your role.
For more information on the role of a County Councillor, contact Geoff Stokes Phone: 01604 237714.
The county council pays an allowance to councillors – for more information contact Sarah Burr
Phone: 01604 237730
Email: sburr@northamptonshire.gov.uk.
How do I register to stand as a councillor?
Click here to see specific guidance for candidates (new window)
- The deadline to register as a candidate with a political party is 30 March 2005.
- The deadline to deliver your nomination if standing as an independent candidate is between the 31March and the 7 April 2005 by 12 noon. For more information on this contact your district or borough council returning officer.
How you register depends on which party you wish to stand for, if any
- to discuss becoming a Conservative candidate, contact the county council's Conservative Group Business Manager, Councillor Michael Tye on 01933 311110
- to discuss becoming a Labour candidate, contact the county council’s Labour Group's Political Assistant on 01604 237397
- if you are interested in standing for one of the other main political parties, please contact the national party direct
- to register as an independent candidate, you need to contact your district or borough council
Click here to see contact details for Northamptonshire’s borough and district councils
Who is standing for election?
Click here to find details of all the candidates in your area of Northamptonshire
How do I find out the results?
We will be providing you with the results of the county council’s election on the night of the count. Watch this space for more details of where and when this will happen.