Upcoming elections
Local government by-elections
For more information, please visit our local government by-elections page.
Neighbourhood planning referendums
For more information, please visit our neighbourhood planning referendums page.
Please click the above links to view which elections and referendums we currently have taking place, to view all statutory notices and to request a nomination pack (local government by-elections only).
Further information is also available in the voter section on the Electoral Commission website.
Becoming a candidate
The qualifications for becoming a candidate and the nomination form and other documents are on the Electoral Commission website.
Nominations can only be taken at certain times during the election timetable. More details of these times for specific elections are given on the notice of election.
We will publish nomination papers and statutory notices for elections on this page during each election period.
If you have any questions, there is more general information on the Electoral Commission website or you can call 01432 260107 or email elections@herefordshire.gov.uk
- Find out more about becoming a Herefordshire Councillor
- Find out more about becoming a Parish Councillor
Nominations
If you would like to request a nomination pack from the Electoral Services Office, please complete the request form below. By using the request form, you will receive a pack with the dates and election area pre-filled, plus a guidance document containing instructions on how to complete the papers and dates of key election events for the relevant election (if contested).
We strongly recommend that all prospective candidates and their agents, also download and familiarise themselves with the Electoral Commission's comprehensive local elections guidance.
The Electoral Commission is the UK's independent elections watchdog and provides information on how to stand as a candidate, conduct your election campaign and the current spending limits for candidates.
Informal check of nomination papers
You can send nomination papers for an information check to nominationpapers@herefordshire.gov.uk
If you decide to do this, ensure you do it as early as possible before the close of nominations to allow us time to conduct the check.
Sending a copy of your nomination paper via email is NOT a submission of your nomination paper, it is an informal check only, but will give you sufficient time to submit new nomination papers should your first set contain any errors.
There will be no informal checks taking place on the last day to submit nomination papers - 4pm on the 19th working day before the poll.
Submitting your nomination papers
All nomination papers, the home address form, the candidates consent to nomination and any certificates of authorisation and requests for a party emblem, must be delivered by hand to any place specified on the notice of election between the hours of 10am and 4pm.
The close of nominations for an election, which is the last possible date and time to deliver the above forms is 4pm on the 19th working day before the poll.
It is your responsibility to ensure that your nomination papers are delivered in the correct manner and by the required deadlines. We recommend that you or someone you trust hand-delivers them, so you can be sure they are delivered in time.
Your nomination papers must be submitted in person and cannot be submitted by post, fax, email or other electronic means.
If you would prefer, you can download a blank nomination paper from part 2 of the relevant guidance on the Electoral Commission's website:
Ward elections guidance and nomination paper
Parish elections guidance and nomination paper
Frequently asked questions
How can I apply to vote by post or proxy?
To vote - either at a polling station, by post, or by appointing someone you trust to vote on your behalf as your proxy - you must first be registered to vote, which can be done online in just 5 minutes.
To then apply to vote by post you need to download, print and fill in a postal vote application form. Once you have completed the form and signed it, you need to send it back to us. You can send us a photo or a scanned copy of your completed application via email, or you can post it to us at Electoral Services Office, Blueschool House, Blueschool Street, Hereford, HR1 2LX.
If you're thinking about voting by post, you can apply to do this now. This will make sure your application is processed early, and your postal vote can be sent to you more quickly once the candidates for the elections are confirmed.
If you aren't able to cast your vote in person, you can ask someone you trust to cast your vote for you. This is called a proxy vote and the person casting your vote is often referred to as your proxy. The person voting on your behalf can either go to your polling station to cast your vote, or can apply to vote for you by post.
To apply for a proxy vote, complete the form to vote by proxy, explaining why you can't get to your polling station in person.
How do I register to vote?
To vote in any election in the UK, you must be registered to vote. It takes 5 minutes to register and you can do this online at GOV.UK.
If you're unable to register online, you can phone our office to register with a member of staff or you can apply by post. You can download the voter registration forms.
Is voting by post safe?
Yes, voting by post is safe and proven cases of electoral fraud are rare. When voting by post, you should mark your vote on the ballot paper in secret, and seal the envelope yourself.
You will also be asked to give your date of birth and signature when applying for a postal or proxy vote. This makes postal voting safe, because when you return your postal voting pack your signature and date of birth are checked against those you provided before to confirm your identity.
Your signature and date of birth are separated from your ballot paper before it is looked at or counted, so giving this information will not affect the secrecy of your vote.
How are you making polling stations safe?
We are putting arrangements in place to help ensure polling stations are safe places to vote. You can expect many of the measures you've become used to over recent months in shops and banks, such as hand sanitiser, floor markings and face coverings.
Will I need to bring my own pen or pencil?
We recommend that you bring your own pen or pencil to the polling station to minimise contact. There will be clean pencils available for you to use at the polling station if you forget to bring your own.
Do I have to wear a mask to the polling station?
Yes you must wear a mask to the polling station unless you are exempt. If you forget to bring one the staff at the polling station can provide you with one.
How do you protect postal voting from fraud?
When voting by post, you should mark your vote on the ballot paper in secret, and seal the envelope yourself. You will be asked to give your date of birth and signature when applying for a postal or proxy vote.
When you return your postal voting pack you will again be asked for your signature and date of birth, and these will be checked against those you have already provided in order to confirm your identity.
Your signature and date of birth are separated from your ballot paper before it is looked at or counted, so giving this information will not affect the secrecy of your vote.
When an election takes place if it has been requested through a casual vacancy
The election must usually be held within 60 days of the date that the vacancy arises for Parish Council Elections. It must be held within 35 days for Herefordshire Council Elections.