Types of elections

The number of people voting in elections is declining, particularly in local elections. It is your right to vote and it is the way you can influence the decisions made by Government at all levels. Find out here when and where you can make your vote count.  Casual vacancies can arise at any time between ordinary elections if a councillor dies, resigns or ceases to be qualified to serve.

Parliamentary:

UK Parliament
The district council runs the elections for the North Norfolk parliamentary constituency. Parliamentary elections are held on a date decided by the Prime Minister, which must be within five years of the last general election. The next planned elections will take place in 2015, the last ones being held on Thursday 6 May 2010.
By-elections are held when a sitting MP dies, resigns or ceases to be qualified to serve.

The Government issues detailed guidance notes on the conduct of parliamentary elections.

European Parliament
The district council also runs the European Parliamentary election for the North Norfolk District within the Eastern Region European Parliamentary Constituency, one of nine electoral regions in England. European Parliamentary elections are held every five years on a date fixed by the European Parliament. Members serve for the full five year term of office. The next elections will take place in 2013, the last ones being held on 4 June 2009.

These elections are covered by the same legislation as our own elections, but amended by the European Parliamentary Regulations 1986 and European Parliamentary Elections Act 1999. (ST to check legislation)

Local elections:

Norfolk County Council
Norfolk County Council has 84 councillors elected from across the county to make decisions about county-wide services and they are elected every four years. The next planned elections will take place in 2013, the last ones being held on Thursday 4 June 2009.

North Norfolk District Council
There are 48 district councillors and they are elected every four years. 

The date of ordinary elections is usually the first Thursday in May, unless the Secretary of State orders otherwise. The next planned elections will take place on 5 May 2011, the last ones being held on Thursday 3 May 2007.

Parish councils
Parish and town council elections are held every four years. However, casual vacancies can arise at any time between ordinary elections. If the vacancy comes up six months or less before the date of ordinary elections, the vacancy may be left unfilled.

There are 122 parishes in North Norfolk. Some are joint parish councils with two or more parishes. Some parish and town councils are divided into wards. The number of parish councillors varies in accordance with a scheme prepared by North Norfolk District Council. Each councillor serves for a four year term of office.

The next planned elections will take place on 5 May 2011, the last ones being held on Thursday 3 May 2007.  Download a copy of the Parish Election Results (.pdf 212 Kb)