When and where

The following elections are taking place in May 2024:

• Dorset Council election for 82 member seats
• Elections for all 150+ parish and town councils across the Dorset Council area - some 1500 seats

So, all current members of the Council stand down and all seats become vacant.
Existing Councillors who wish to continue must stand for re-election. If there are enough candidates for the number of seats or fewer candidates than seats then those that stand are elected unopposed. If there are more nominations than seats, a poll must be held.

This will take place at the same time as the  County, National and Police Commissioner elections, on Thursday 2nd May 2024.
The polling station is West Moors Memorial Hall.

If elected, 12 Councillors will then serve a five-year term.
The elections in 2029 will then revert to a four-year term.

Completed nomination papers must be hand delivered to the Returning Officer on any working day after the date of publication of the notice of election on Monday 11 March 2024 (excluding bank holidays) but no later than 4pm on Friday 5 April 2024.

You will need to make an appointment to deliver your nomination papers - view the schedule of available venues, dates and times:
Click here for further details on DC website

Paperwork confirming the nomination will be posted to the candidate.

Nomination Pack to be a Town Councillor
May 2024 

 ELECTIONS 2024

By becoming a Town Councillor you become someone your community will look to for help, guidance and support, a community leader with the power to influence decisions for the benefit of the people you serve.

Seeing your community change for the better, as a result of decisions you have helped make, is something that can give you a sense of achievement and pride.

The most common topics that our Town Council get involved with are planning matters (statutory consultees only), crime prevention, managing open spaces and campaigning for and delivering better services and facilities.

Our big achievements in the past few years, are;
A new skatepark (2021), Public toilets (2022), Climate emergency action, bi-monthly litter picks (since 2021), Biggest ever WESTIVAL (2023), new outdoor adult gym equipment (2023) and every year the successful management of investments and our finances.

Join us and bring more ideas with you!

Why Stand to be a Councillor now

An Election is the Gateway to Democracy.

West Moors Town Council NEED local people, from all backgrounds, with all different skills and/or experiences, to stand for election this year.

The more diverse the team of Councillors, the higher the chance of delivering equality and fairness into the community and in the services provided.


If you would like to spare a few hours a week supporting and representing your community, by standing for election, please follow this link to find out if you are eligible and please do not hesitate to contact the West Moors Town Council office for information about what we do and what is involved.

This link provides some answers to questions you might have about the role, and it is worth taking a look at our services to get a better understanding of the responsibilities we have at this level.

Find out about being a Councillor

You may wish to attend some council meetings between now and submitting your nomination papers, to make sure this is something you would like to do.
Please visit the Calendar of Meetings - till June 2024 for the dates and times of our meetings. Please also take the opportunity of speaking to West Moors Town Council Councillors about their experiences.

The Dorset Association of Parish and Town Councils (DAPTC) has provided a Dorset Council Area Elections Toolkit, prepared in conjunction with the Dorset Council.
It includes a timeline, and an explanation of the nomination process and where to drop of your nomination forms.

This Electoral Commission link also provides a useful publication to read. 

Videos to help you decide 

Parish and Town Councils are for everyone

What do Town and Parish Councils do across Dorset

What do Town and Parish Councils do in Your Community

Why becoming a Town or Parish Councillor in Dorset matters

Voting

Register to Vote

Please follow this link to register to vote online so you can exercise your right to vote in local and general elections.

Photo ID for Voting Purposes

Please follow this link to check you have the correct form of photo identification for voting in the May elections. If not, you can apply for a voting certificate