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Polling District, Polling Place and Polling Station Reviews

Why does the Council undertake these reviews? 

Polling district and polling place reviews are a statutory requirement. Under the Representation of the People Act 1983, local authorities must keep polling districts and polling places under review and ensure that electors have reasonable facilities for voting. The legislation also requires councils, so far as is reasonable and practicable, to ensure that polling places are accessible to all electors, including disabled voters.

Local authorities are required to conduct a full review of polling districts and polling places for UK Parliamentary elections at least once every five years. The review process and consultation requirements are set out in Schedule A1 of the Representation of the People Act 1983, as amended by the Electoral Administration Act 2006 and subsequent legislation.

Councils are also able to undertake an interim review, outside of the statutory timeline, which local authorities may carry out at any time to respond to local circumstances, such as changes to polling venues, electorate movement, development activity, accessibility concerns, or operational requirements. 

As part of the review process, the Council must consult with the Returning Officer of affected Parliamentary Constituencies, seek views from organisations representing people with disabilities, and invite comments from electors and other interested stakeholders before reaching a final decision. 

Key Terms

Polling district - A polling district is a specific geographic area created for the purpose of elections.

Polling place - A polling place is the area or building within a polling district in which a polling station is usually located.

Polling station - A polling station is the location within a polling place where voting takes place. 

Current Reviews

2026 Interim Polling Scheme Review

Have Your Say on Voting Arrangements in Cheshire West and Chester

The Returning Officer for Cheshire West and Chester Council is undertaking an Interim Review of Polling Districts, Polling Places and Polling Stations.

The purpose of the review is to ensure that electors across the borough continue to have reasonable and accessible facilities for voting at elections in readiness for the May 2027 scheduled elections. The review considers whether current polling districts, polling places and polling stations remain suitable and convenient for voters, and whether there are opportunities to improve accessibility and voter experience.

As part of the review, the Council is seeking views from residents, elected representatives, political parties, disability groups, community organisations and other interested stakeholders.

What is Being Reviewed?

The review considers:

  • Polling district boundaries;
  • The location of polling places;
  • The polling stations used within those polling places;
  • The accessibility of voting venues for all electors, including those with disabilities; and
  • Any local circumstances that may affect voters' ability to access polling facilities.

Consultation Documents

Details of the proposed interim polling scheme, together with supporting maps and information, can be viewed at:

2026 Interim Polling Scheme Review | Participate Now

Have Your Say

We welcome comments on any aspect of the proposals, particularly where you believe:

  • A polling place is unsuitable or inaccessible;
  • Alternative venues should be considered;
  • Polling arrangements could be improved for local communities; or
  • The proposals may have an impact on voters in your area.

Comments can be submitted by 4th November 2026 via the link above.

What Happens Next?

Following the consultation period, all responses received will be considered by the Returning Officer before final recommendations are published. Any approved changes will take effect for future elections and referendums held within Cheshire West and Chester.

We encourage all interested parties to review the proposals and provide their feedback to help ensure polling arrangements are convenient, accessible and effective for all electors.

Notice of Review

Previous Reviews

2023 Statutory Review

Cheshire West and Chester carried out a review of the suitability of our voting arrangements to make sure that the location of venues, the number of then and their accessibility are fit for purpose for voting at all elections during the next 5 years.

Following a consultation period, all comments were considered and appropriate change were made and approved by Full Council on 14 December 2023. The review did not include:

  • parliamentary constituencies
  • local ward boundaries

More information

If you have questions about polling district reviews, email: elreg@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk