This webpage has now been switched over to be used by parish councils not meeting the minimum number of 3 councillors to be able to continue to operate beyond 7 May 2024. Dorset Council have agreed to re-run the election process for a small number of inquorate councils so that they can appeal to their communities to put forward candidates.
DAPTC have now made contact with all these councils to help support them during the election re-run which will take place in late May and June. The new timeline for the re-run is below.
ALL the downloadable resources are at the foot of this page including the election cost calculator and guidance notes.
Timeline:
• Weds 15 May – Notice of Election Published
• Thu 23 May (4pm) – Deadline for Nomination Papers for Candidates to be submitted to County Hall. Call 01305 838299 to make an appointment with Dorset Council Elections Team for dropping off and checking forms accuracy. The nomination forms must not be dated earlier than 23 April 2024.
• Fri 24 May (4pm) – Notification of Persons Nominated (this is the first point you will know if the election on 20 June is contested or uncontested).
• Thu 20 June (7am to 10pm) – Election Day (only if contested i.e. 7 candidates for 6 seats)
• Mon 24 June – Councillors nominated and elected legally take office
• Friday 28 June to Weds 10 July – window to hold Annual Meeting of Council
Resources to Download and Important Links:
Where you can find all the key up to date elections information: Dorset Council Elections Team Webpages
Nomination pack for parish and town councils: Nomination pack parish council election for use after 7 May 2024
Where you can find guidance from the Electoral Commission specifically about the criteria for standing: The Electoral Commission
Where you can find out about the pre-election period and what councils need to be mindful of: The LGA guidance on the pre-election period
The video link to share that helps candidates 'get it right first time' when filling in their nomination forms: Nomination Form Video Guide
A document highlighting the key changes under the Elections Act 2022: Election Act 2022 Member Briefing
Access to Dropbox to download the Dorset Council Election Cost Calculator : Election Cost Calculator & Guide File Transfer from Dropbox
Access NALC resources to promote local elections to parish and town councils: Access to Dropbox to download a package of documents
LTN80-Members-conduct-and-the-registration-and-disclosure-of-their-interests-England
LTN2-The Chairman of Local Councils revised April 2018
Declaration of Acceptance of Office Template
Dorset and BCP Code of Conduct
If you are having difficulty with any of the above files or links please get in touch.
For help and support via Dorset Council Elections Team contact: