General Election 2010

A general election will be held across the country on May 6, and Mendip District Council will manage the election of an MP for the Wells constituency. From this page you can view lots of information about the election, how to use your vote and updates will appear in the run-up to the election on May 6, including the result on the night.

RESULTS NOW ONLINE: To view the results of the General Election 2010 in the Wells constituency CLICK HERE.

Can I attend the counting of votes on election night?

You are able to attend the counting of votes if you are one of the following:

• A candidate and their spouse/partner
• A nominated election agent
• Two observers chosen by the candidate/party

If you are one of the above please email elections manager Matthew Hillier on matthew.hillier@mendip.gov.uk if you wish to attend the count.

• A member of the media

If you are a member of the media and would like to attend the count, please contact Mendip District Council's communications team by emailing prandcommunications@mendip.gov.uk. Please include any specific requirements such as broadcasting areas or internet access.

Please note that for space and security reasons members of the public are not allowed to attend the count (unless they are one of the above).

Can I vote in this general election?

To be able to vote in a UK general election you must:

• be 18 years old or over on polling day and...
• live in the UK
• be a British or Republic of Ireland citizen or...
• be a qualifying commonwealth citizen (for more details CLICK HERE)

Your name must also appear on the electoral register to be able to vote. The deadline for applying to have your name added to the register of electors in time for the 2010 general election is April 20.

For more details about registering to vote CLICK HERE. For an online application form CLICK HERE

I can't make it to a polling station, can I still vote?

Yes, you have two options:

Postal vote: this allows you to receive a ballot paper before polling day on May 6, and send them back to the council before the election closes at 10pm (you can also drop off your postal vote at any polling station). For more details on postal voting CLICK HERE. For a postal vote application form CLICK HERE. The deadline for applying is April 20.

Proxy vote: you can nominate someone else to vote on your behalf at your local polling station on election day. For more details on proxy voting CLICK HERE. For a proxy vote application form CLICK HERE. The deadline for applying is April 27.

I have applied for a postal vote, when do I receive it?

Postal votes are expected to be sent out first class between April 26 and April 28, after the deadline to register for a postal vote which is April 20.

I want to stand as a candidate at the election, how do I do it?

You have to ask the district council for a nomination pack which will contain plenty of information about standing for election. You have until April 20 to submit your applicatio to become a candidate. For more details about standing as a candidate CLICK HERE.

You will have to pay £500 if you want to be a candidate in the general election, and this will be given back to you if you attract 5% or more of the total votes cast.

For an application pack contact the district council on 01749 648999 or email: customerservices@mendip.gov.uk.

In which constituency do I live?

The majority of the Mendip district is covered by the Wells constituency, but there are some areas such as Frome which sit within another constituency. To find out in which constituency you live CLICK HERE.

There will also be some changes to the boundaries of some constituencies in the Mendip area at this year's general election. To find out if you are affected CLICK HERE.

When will the result of the Wells constituency be announced?

It's always difficult to give exact details about the timings of an electon count and when the result will be announced, but early indications are that the name of the Wells MP will be announced at about 6am on Friday, May 7.

Where are the polling stations in the Wells constituency?

To see the whole list of polling stations CLICK HERE, but to find out where you can vote you must read your polling card which has all the relevant details on it. It's best if you take your polling card with you when you vote but it isn't absolutely necessary.

Where do I vote?

Over the next couple of weeks you will receive a polling card which will have all the details about where to vote, between what times you can vote and within which constituency you are voting. Please take this polling card with you when you vote. Don't worry if you lose it though, as you can still vote without it.

A list of the polling stations across the Wells constituency will appear here shortly.

Also, if you have applied for a postal vote, you will also receive a polling card giving you details about your postal vote and when it should arrive in the post.

Who's standing for election in the Wells constituency?

Jake Baynes UK Independence Party candidate

Harry Boyce British National Party candidate

Christopher Briton Green party candidate

David Heathcoat-Amory Conservative party candidate

Andy Merryfield Labour party candidate

Tessa Jane Munt Liberal Democrat party candidate

(Mendip District Council is not responsible for the content of external websites)

Contact

Last Updated

07 May 2010

Page last updated on 07 May 2010