North Yorkshire Council has launched a 10-week countywide consultation today (Monday, 3rd August 2026) to review local polling districts and polling places ahead of the May 2027 council elections.
The review follows boundary updates made by the Local Government Boundary Commission across 14 parish wards, alongside a recent Community Governance Review involving 19 parish council areas.
The council will evaluate roughly 800 polling districts and 500 polling stations across North Yorkshire. Officials estimate that proposed adjustments will affect between 50 and 100 polling stations to ensure alignment with updated electoral boundaries.
The local authority is encouraging all residents to participate, particularly voters who face accessibility or travel challenges when visiting their local voting venue.
Cllr Heather Phillips, Executive Member for Corporate Services at North Yorkshire Council, said: “It’s vital that we make it as easy as possible for people to vote and ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to participate in local democracy.
“Following recent changes to electoral and parish boundaries, we want to make sure that our polling districts and polling stations are suitable ahead of future elections and that they continue to provide good accessibility for voters.
“We would encourage residents to take part in the consultation, particularly anyone who may experience difficulties travelling to or accessing their polling station, as their feedback will help inform our final recommendations.”
The council is inviting feedback from residents, parish and town councils, local MPs, health partners, emergency services, and the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority. The council’s Standards and Governance Committee will receive the final recommendations in late November.
The consultation closes on Monday, 12th October 2026. Residents can complete the survey online at northyorks.gov.uk/PollingPlacesReview.
Paper copies are also available upon request at North Yorkshire Council offices in Skipton (Belle Vue Square), Richmond (Mercury House), Harrogate (Civic Centre), Malton (Ryedale House), Northallerton (County Hall), Selby (Civic Centre), and Scarborough (Town Hall).
