Notice of Poll and Polling Locations
Keighley Parish Poll – Thursday 21 July 2022
A Parish Poll was demanded at an assembly of electors within the Keighley Parish on Wednesday 22 June 2022. Three questions were proposed and agreed:
- Do you want a Health & Wellbeing Hub in Keighley?
- Do you want a Health & Wellbeing Hub on the vacant land at the corner of North Street & Cavendish Street?
- Should the vacant land at the corner of North Street & Cavendish Street be recognised as a Public Open Space?
The poll will be held on Thursday 21 July 2022 to pose these questions to the residents of Keighley Parish.
The questions being asked, the date and times of the poll and the list of polling stations are within the Notice of Poll.
Formal notification of the Poll and the location of polling stations will be issued by Bradford MDC in due course.
FAQ
What is a parish poll?
The Local Government Act 1972 makes provision for electors of a parish to convene a meeting to discuss parish affairs. Furthermore, the Act also includes a provision whereby, provided the parish meeting has been properly constituted may call for a poll to be held on a question.
What is the poll about?
The three questions on the poll relate to the future use of the former Keighley College site on the corner of North Street and Cavendish Street. The site is owned by Bradford MDC and has been earmarked as the location for the development of a new health hub in the town centre.
Those proposing the questions on the poll would like to see the health hub built elsewhere in Keighley and for the site to be kept and developed into a useable green space for the people of Keighley.
Who decides what the question(s) will be on the ballot paper?
The question is put forward at the meeting by a proposer, and the wording of the question is then resolved upon by the parish meeting. The question must be something that can be answered with a ‘yes’ or ‘no’. The question must be clear, unambiguous, and not lend itself to vague or double-negative answers. Once the wording has been agreed at the meeting it cannot be changed. There can be more than one question proposed and agreed. The question must be in relation to something which constitutes a ‘parish affair’.
What happens with the result of the poll?
The count of the votes will follow the close of polling and the result will be publicised. The outcome of the poll is no more and no less than an expression of the views of the electorate of the parish who have voted in the poll and is not binding on any organisation.
Who pays for the costs of the poll?
This is recharged to the town council, under Section 150 (2 and 7) of the Local Government Act 1972.
Why are polling hours so short?
In accordance with the Parish and Community Meetings (Polls) Rules 1987 the polling hours for a parish poll are from 4 pm. until 9 pm.
Will I get a poll card to take to the polling station?
No. In accordance with the Parish and Community Meetings (Polls) Rules 1987, there is no provision for a poll card to be sent to electors.
I usually vote by post, why didn’t I get a postal vote?
In accordance with the Parish and Community Meetings (Polls) Rules 1987, there is no provisions for voting by post or by proxy, so to vote, everyone must go to a polling station to have their say.
What else differs from other polls/elections?
The paper is stamped with an official mark as it is handed to the voter, rather than being pre-printed on the ballot paper.
I don’t know which polling station I vote at?
A full list of Polling Stations will be issued by Bradford MDC Election Services in due course. If you have any questions regarding your polling station you can contact election services electoralservices@bradford.gov.uk or by calling 01274 432287.
Will I receive any literature or information regarding the poll?
It is up to individuals/groups to provide any literature or information on why you should vote either Yes or No to the questions being asked in the poll.