Reviews of polling districts, polling places and polling stations

When will the Commission make a decision?

The Commission will reach a decision as soon as possible. The length of time taken to reach a decision will vary in each case.

For example, it will depend on:

  • whether there are any delays in obtaining information from third parties
  • the complexity and number of issues raised in the appeal
  • the number of appeals that have been submitted within the same period

Depending on when the appeal is received and the issues it raises, it may not be possible for the Commission to issue a decision in time for it to be implemented by the authority at an upcoming election.

The appeal decision will be set out in a letter addressed to the appellant, the authority and the Returning Officer. The letter will include the following details:

  • Summary of decision
  • Relevant legislation and guidance
  • The review
  • The appeal
  • Decision
  • Direction(s) (if any)

The ‘decision’ section will set out the Commission’s conclusion on whether the authority conducted the review so as to:

  • meet the reasonable requirements of the electors in the constituency or any body of those electors, or
  • take sufficient account of the accessibility to disabled persons of polling stations within a designated polling place.
Last updated: 12 July 2023