Nominations have opened for a by-election in the Ormsgill ward of Barrow Town Council after a Notice of Election was published on Thursday 23 July. The council has set a series of deadlines for prospective candidates and voters ahead of the potential poll later this summer.
Who can stand and how to apply
The returning officer is accepting nomination papers from candidates through the Returning Officer’s office at Barrow Town Hall. Nomination forms must be returned by hand no later than 4pm on Friday 31 July.
- Nomination papers are available from the Returning Officer’s office, Barrow Town Hall, Duke Street.
- Prospective candidates can contact the council elections team at elections3@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk for guidance.
Key dates for voters
If more than one person is nominated, the by-election will be held on Thursday 27 August. The council has issued reminders for voters about registration and the arrangements for postal and proxy voting.
"If you have moved into or changed address within the ward since responding to the voter registration form, you will need to re-register your details before the midnight on Tuesday 11 August deadline to be eligible to vote in the by-election."
The council stressed that residents who are already registered and living at the same address need take no further action to vote.
| Action | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Return nomination papers by hand | 4pm, Friday 31 July |
| Re-register after moving within the ward | Midnight, Tuesday 11 August |
| Apply for postal vote (include NI number and signature copy) | 5pm, Wednesday 12 August |
| Apply for proxy vote | 5pm, Wednesday 19 August |
| If a poll is required | Thursday 27 August |
Postal and proxy voting — what residents need to know
Anyone applying for a postal vote must now supply their National Insurance number and a copy of their signature with the application. The quickest way to apply for postal or proxy voting is online via the government website, though paper forms are also available if required.
- Postal vote applications: apply at gov.uk/apply-postal-vote or request a paper form; deadline 5pm on 12 August.
- Proxy vote applications: apply at gov.uk/apply-proxy-vote or request a paper form; deadline 5pm on 19 August.
- Postal ballots returned by hand must include the postal vote return form or they will be rejected; do not post through council letterboxes.
The council advised postal voters to use the Royal Mail envelope supplied with their ballot packs to reduce the risk of rejection. Voters opting to attend a polling station in person should remember to bring acceptable photo identification.
The by-election affects residents of Ormsgill and is a reminder of the administrative steps that underpin local democracy. The council has published advice and contact details for anyone uncertain about their registration status or the paperwork required to stand or vote.
Further information, including how to register to vote, is available from the council and via the government’s voter registration pages.
