A parish poll takes place as a result of a parish meeting. The purpose of the poll is to find out if the opinion of the meeting reflects the opinion of the majority of the electors of the parish.
Parish polls provide an opportunity for local electors to express opinions on specific local subjects. This can be by giving answers to particular questions or in relation to appointments of office.
The way that a parish poll can be called is set out in The Parish and Community Meetings (Polls) Rules 1987 which you can read on the government legislation website.
Features of parish polls
A parish poll is a poll requested by the parishioners of an electoral area to obtain the opinion of electors on a particular question or questions or appointment of office.
Either 10 electors or one third of electors present and voting at the parish meeting can request a poll. The actual request for a poll cannot be subject to a vote at the meeting. However, if a poll is demanded on a question, the wording of the question can be voted on.
The chairman of the meeting must notify the returning officer to give notice of poll at elections@northyorks.gov.uk or North Yorkshire Council, County Hall, Northallerton, DL7 8AD.
A notice of poll will be displayed in the parish not less than five days before the poll. The notice of poll will include the date, time and place of the poll, a description of the electors who can vote and the particulars of the question which then name and address of its proposer.
Voting in a parish poll
You will not receive a poll card. There are no provisions in the regulations for poll cards to be issued.
You must vote in person at the polling station. You cannot vote by post or proxy. There are no provisions in the regulations for the issue of postal votes or the appointment of proxies.
Polling stations will be open from 4pm until 9pm on the day of the poll.
When you arrive at the polling station, you will be given a ballot paper with a question on it. You will be asked to vote "yes" or "no" by marking an 'X' in the relevant box.
Parish poll results
The results will be posted online here as well as on the parish council website. The results will also be posted on the council's and parish council's notice boards.
A parish poll is carried out to obtain the opinion of the parish and the result is not legally binding on the parish or town council.
Parish poll costs
North Yorkshire Council will recharge the relevant parish or town council under Section 150 (2 and 7) of the Local Government Act 1972 which you can read on the government legislation website.
Whitby parish poll - Friday 6 October 2023
View the notice of results for Whitby parish poll.