Parish polls
A parish poll can be held following a parish meeting. Its purpose is to establish whether the views expressed at the meeting reflect the opinion of the majority of electors in the parish.
Parish polls give local electors the opportunity to express their views on specific local issues. This may include answering particular questions or expressing an opinion on proposed appointment to local offices.
The process for calling a parish poll is set out in Schedule 12 of the Local Government Act 1972 which you can read on the government legislation website.
The rules governing how a parish poll must be conducted are 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 [email protected] or Forest of Dean District Council, Council Offices, High Street, Coleford, GL16 8HG.
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 the name and address of its proposer.
Voting in a parish poll
- You will not receive a poll card.
The regulations do not provide for poll cards to be issued for parish polls. - You must vote in person at the polling station.
Postal and proxy voting are not permitted, as the regulations do not allow for postal votes or proxy appointments. - Polling station opening hours
The Polling station will be open from 4pm to 9pm on the day of the poll. - Photo ID is not required.
Voter ID rules do not apply to parish polls, so you do not need to bring any form of photo identification. - At the polling station.
If you are on the electoral register, you will be given a ballot paper when you arrive. You will be invited to vote "Yes" or "No" by marking an X in the relevant box for each question.
Parish poll results
The results of the parish poll will be published on this website and on the parish council’s website and notice boards.
A parish poll is held to obtain the opinion of the parish, and the result is advisory only and is not legally binding on the parish or town council.
Parish poll costs
Forest of Dean District 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.
Longhope parish poll – Monday 11 May 2026
More information will be published shortly.