Elections — general information
Elections are a democratic process in which citizens over the age of 18 elect political or independent candidates to represent them and their interests locally (on the district, parish and county council) and nationally (in Parliament).
District and Parish Council Elections
The election of district councillors is held once every four years on the first Thursday in May, namely 2019, 2023, 2027 and so on. The election of town and parish councillors takes place at the same time as that for the district councillors.
County Council Elections
The election of councillors to serve on the Lincolnshire County Council is held every fourth year on the first Thursday in May namely 2021, 2025, 2029 and so on.
In West Lindsey there are 9 divisions for the county council, each represented by one councillor.
Police and Crime Commissioner Elections
The Police and Crime Commissioner is responsible for holding the Chief Constable and police force to account on the public’s behalf. They oversee how crime is tackled in their area and aim to make sure the police are providing a good service.
The election of the Police and Crime Commissioner is held every fourth year. The last scheduled poll should have been in 2020 but, due to the pandemic, it had to be postponed and was held in May 2021. However, the length of service was reduced to 3 years to keep in line with the four-year cycle, the next scheduled election is 2 May 2024 and the ones scheduled for after will be in 2028, 2032 and so on.
Parliamentary General Election
Parliamentary elections are held in response to His Majesty the King dissolving Parliament and issuing a Writ to hold an election. The maximum term of office of a Government is five years. The last Parliamentary election was held on 12 December 2019.
The whole of the area administered by West Lindsey combined with one ward from East Lindsey District Council forms the Gainsborough Constituency.