Polling Place Review 2023 - Sutton Valence & Langley Ward

Maidstone Borough Council is undertaking an interim Polling District and Polling Place Review in accordance with legislation. The purpose of the review is to ensure that all polling districts and polling places are, as far as possible, effective, and convenient for voters and accessible to everyone.

It has been proposed to move the Polling Station for Electors in the ZB Polling District (Sutton Valence Parish) from the Hawkenbury Public House to the Sutton Valence Village Hall.

Returning Officer's Comment:

Following Government Covid guidelines, the polling station encroached more space than normal within the public house. As the pub remains open to the public, and there are no structural barriers to distinguish the perimeter of the polling station and the remainder of the building. It will be difficult to maintain the secrecy of the ballot as the voting process can be overheard. Moving the designation of the polling place from The Hawkenbury Public House to Sutton Valence Village Hall will minimise the disruption for the pub’s clientele and improve the secrecy of the ballot.

How to get involved

Survey - Completed surveys are treated as single responses. All comments received during the consultation period will be considered as part of the review. All households directly affected by the proposal have been written to directly.

Survey takes 4-7 minutes to complete.

Survey closes: 19 February 2023.

What happens next?

Your responses will be considered by the Returning Officer. The proposed change of venue if successful, will be implemented for the election on 4^th May 2023.