News Have your say on how often elections are held in Maidstone

Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) is consulting residents on how often they would like to vote for the borough’s councillors.

Currently the Council holds elections ‘by thirds’ meaning that in three years out of four, one third of seats are up for election. MBC is interested to hear from people as to whether the system should change to 'whole' council elections, which would mean that all seats on the Council would be elected at the same time, once every four years.

The consultation opens today Friday 16 July and runs until Monday 22 August, to have your say click here or visit the Maidstone Borough Council website and search for live consultations.

Angela Woodhouse, Head of Policy, Communications and Governance said:

“We are looking for resident feedback on whether our current arrangements holding elections in three years out of every four for the Borough should continue or if we should move to all out elections once every four years. This could impact when you vote and how often, so please respond and let us know your views.”

The Council currently consists of 55 Councillors who are elected by voters in 26 Wards. The Councillors represent residents and make decisions on the running of The Council.

The Local Government Boundary Commission for England will soon be reviewing Maidstone Borough’s ward boundaries and the numbers of Councillors in each ward. If the Council stays with elections by thirds the Commission will aim for all wards to have three Members each. If the Council changes to Whole Council Elections then each Ward can have a varying number of Members, or the Council can ask for single Member wards.

Elections for the County Council, UK Parliament and the Police and Crime Commissioner will not be affected by any future change in Maidstone Borough Council’s electoral cycle.

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