Still time for candidates to submit nominations for upcoming local elections

Polling cards for the 2021 Lincolnshire County Council elections and Police & Crime Commissioner voting are now being delivered to households across North and South Kesteven.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

This means that only a few weeks remain before residents go to the polls. In some areas there are also Town and Parish Council seats, where vacancies have occurred since the last elections.

You need to be registered to be able to vote in elections and referendums so for those who do not receive a polling card, or where the details are incorrect, the deadline for registering at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote is 11.59pm on April 19.

Still time for local election candidates to apply. EMN-210324-120905001Still time for local election candidates to apply. EMN-210324-120905001
Still time for local election candidates to apply. EMN-210324-120905001

The polling card also lets voters know which polling station to visit to cast their vote – but some locations have changed since the last elections so the card should be checked for those details.

Eleven County Council divisions are within North Kesteven District Council administrative area. One councillor will be elected for each electoral division and each councillor is elected to serve a four year term. The electoral divisions within the North Kesteven area are: Bassingham & Welbourn; Eagle & Hykeham West; Heckington; Hykeham Forum; Metheringham Rural; Potterhanworth & Coleby; Ruskington; Sleaford; Sleaford Rural; Waddington & Hykeham East; Washingborough.

There will also be by-elections for the Bassingham and Brant Broughton seat on NKDC, a vacancy on the Bracebridge Heath Parish Council and a vacant seat for Quarrington Ward of Sleaford Town Council.

By-elections have been called to fill a vacancy in Glen Ward of South Kesteven District Council and five vacancies on Pointon and Sempringham Parish Council.

The election process began this week with the publication of the Notice of Election. Candidates now have until 4pm on Thursday April 8 to submit completed nomination papers.

Nomination packs are available from the elections teams at North Kesteven and South Kesteven District Councils which explain the process, the election timetable as well as matters relating to voting, campaigning and count arrangements.

Prospective candidates can submit their nomination papers now for May’s elections but can also have them informally checked by the elections team first. Anyone who would like to have their papers checked by the team should email [email protected] or [email protected]

Karen Bradford, Chief Executive and Returning Officer for South Kesteven district council, said: “There is still time for people to put themselves forward as a candidate to represent the community. Public service allows people to raise issues they feel passionate about or use their skills to help shape the future of where they live.

“Nomination papers for the Lincolnshire County Council elections and District and Parish by-elections must be subscribed by a proposer and seconder only, who must be registered local government electors within the area where the candidate is standing for election.”

For more information or to request a nomination pack contact Electoral Services at South Kesteven District Council on 01476 406080, email [email protected] or visit our website www.southkesteven.gov.uk/elections2021 or North Kesteven District council on email at: [email protected] or call 01529 308024

To protect candidates, agents and staff during the pandemic SKDC will be limiting the number of people present in the customer services centre at any time. Candidates are requested to book an appointment by contacting the elections team.

NKDC also ask candidates ensure you book an appointment early. The last appointment time will be 3.30pm on Thursday April 8 to ensure papers are validated within the deadline of 4pm.

To protect candidates, agents and staff during the current pandemic NKDC will be limiting the number of people allowed to deliver nomination papers to two people. Unfortunately anyone arriving without an appointment may have to wait outside until any pre-booked appointments have been dealt with.