Election for a new Parish Council on Thursday 4th May
Please see below the attached Parish Notice of Election – there will be an election for a new Parish Council on Thursday 4th May alongside the District Council elections (see District NOE.pdf, also below). There are ten seats on the Parish Council for the Selborne-Oakhanger ward and two seats for the Blackmore Edge ward.
The Parish Council needs YOU!
1. TO VOTE IN THE ELECTION. You now need to provide voter i.d when you go to vote. Please see the Voter i.d. and List of Acceptable i.d. posters, which are attached below.
2. TO STAND AS A CANDIDATE. A small number of the existing Parish Councillors will not be standing for re-election – a big thankyou to them – and so we do really need new candidates. We are particularly keen for candidates to stand from the Oakhanger and Blackmoor areas of the Parish, but all candidates are welcome. Being on the Parish Council can be a very enjoyable and rewarding role with a focus on representing your community, providing local facilities and protecting your local environment. You will be in position until the next election in May 2027 and are required to attend the monthly meetings and follow the rules of the Council.
How much time does it take? The minimum you need is the time to attend the monthly meetings (these are in the evening and about two hours in length) and a few hours beforehand to review any meeting papers . If you have more time you will be welcome to join working groups and committees working on project areas as well as special roles such a looking after local footpaths and trees. Support and training is available for key areas such as the review of planning applications.
Am I eligible to stand? You need to be at least 18 years old and a British/EU/or eligible Commonwealth citizen and meet one of four other criteria, one of which includes living in or within 3 miles of the Parish for the last 12 months.
You need to hand deliver your signed application, including the signatures and polling district and electoral numbers of your proposer and seconder, by prior appointment to East Hampshire District Council by 4pm on Tuesday 4th April at the latest. Links to application forms (called Nomination Packs) and further information are available on the attached Notice of Election (copy and past the link onto your browser if the link isn’t working). The Nomination Pack document is also attached separately below.
If you would like to discuss the role, obtain a hard copy of the form or any help with the application (inc. polling district and register numbers for your proposers and seconders) please contact the Parish Clerk.
