Elections and voting

Find out about the elections for councillors to the new town councils for Harrogate and Scarborough on 1 May 2025.

Information about the general election on 4 July.

The election for the first York and North Yorkshire Mayor took place on Thursday 2 May 2024.

Parish or town councils are the most local level of government in England. They are independent of other levels of local government; however, they maintain a close working relationship with us.

Information and guidance about registering to vote.

Find out how to apply for a postal vote.

Find out what a proxy vote is, who can act as your proxy and how to arrange a proxy vote.

Find out about the electoral register and how we look after your personal information.

Find out about the annual canvass and how to respond.

Find out how to vote on polling day and what the new voter ID rules mean.

Elections for parish and town councillors happen every four years. However, sometimes a councillor leaves their position between these scheduled elections. When this happens, the parish or town council must advertise the vacancy.

Elections for division councillors happen every four years. However, sometimes a councillor leaves their position between these scheduled elections. When this happens, we must advertise the vacancy.

Find out about parish polls in North Yorkshire.

Find out about neighbourhood planning referendums in North Yorkshire.

The new approved polling schedule and a list of representations made during the interim polling district review in 2024.

Learn about the accessibility measures put in place at polling stations.