North Shropshire by-election timetable revealed as count location is announced
Votes in the North Shropshire by election will be counted at Shrewsbury's Sports Village.
Shropshire Council has confirmed that voting for the seat left vacant by Owen Paterson's resignation will take place on Thursday, December 16, with polling stations open between 7am and 10pm for those wishing to vote in person.
Votes will be verified and counted on the night of December 16-17 at the Sports Village in Sundorne Road.
The building was used for counting of votes during the 2019 general election - also a December contest.
Anyone who is not registered to vote has until November 30 to do so on Gov.uk/register-to-vote.
The unitary authority said the formal notice of the election will be published by 4pm on tomorrow, and has posted information for anyone interested in standing as a candidate.
Nominations for candidates can be delivered to the Shirehall in Shrewsbury from 10am and 4pm between Monday, November 15, an Thursday, November 18, with the details of the candidates being published on the council's website by 5pm on November 18.
"Due to limited visitor access to Shirehall, it would be advisable to make an appointment with Shropshire Council’s elections team for delivery of nominations."
Voters have a range of options for casting their ballot – in person, by post or by appointing someone they trust to vote in their place - a proxy vote. To vote by post or proxy you must apply in advance.
The deadline for postal vote applications is 5pm on December 1 with December 8 the deadline for proxy votes.
"For those who choose to vote in person, polling stations will be safe places to vote on December 16 with social distancing measures and other safety measures in place. People are being asked to bring their own pen or pencil with which to cast their vote."
"From around November 18 poll cards will be sent to everyone in the North Shropshire constituency who is already registered to vote in a Parliamentary election. A list of polling stations will be published on the Shropshire Council website soon. You will also be able to check your poll card for details of your polling station."
By-election timetable
Friday, November 12 (by 4pm): Publication of notice of election
Thursday, November 18 (4pm): Close of nominations
Friday November, 19 (by 5pm): Statement of candidates published
Tuesday, November 30 (midnight): Deadline for registration to vote
Wednesday, December 1 (5pm): Deadline for postal voting applications
Wednesday, December 8 (5pm): Deadline to apply for a proxy vote
Thursday, December 16: Polling day
