A REVIEW into where votes can be cast in future elections is due to be launched on Monday.

Darlington Borough Council will be staging an assessment of current polling districts, polling places and polling stations and is inviting members of the public to have their say on the whole process.

Polling stations currently being used for elections in the borough will be reviewed, with residents urged to submit suggestions for alternative venues they feel could be more suitable than existing ones.

Councils must carry out a review of their polling districts and polling places every four years, and the last review in Darlington was completed in 2014.

Polling districts are the areas into which council wards are divided, and polling places are the locations of buildings in which polling stations are established.

When deciding which buildings to use as polling stations, the council must strive to ensure that they are located as conveniently as possible within the polling district, or ward, and that they are accessible to everyone, particularly anyone who is disabled.

Anyone entitled to vote in Darlington is entitled to make representations on the polling districts, polling places and polling stations within the borough.

Comments are also invited from community groups, organisations, councillors, charities and from any person or body with expertise in access for people with any type of disability.

Luke Swinhoe, returning officer, said: “We want to make it as easy as possible for residents to vote in elections.

"To ensure this, we are carrying out a review of Darlington’s polling districts and polling places.

“We would like to encourage residents to let us know about any issues with current polling stations, and also provide suggestions for alternative venues.”

The council's review will be formally launched on Monday, October 1, and any initial representations should be posted to The Electoral Registration Officer, Darlington Borough Council, Town Hall, Feethams, Darlington, DL1 5QT.

Alternatively, representations can be emailed to elections@darlington.gov.uk by Sunday, October 14.

Residents who have any questions about the process can contact the Electoral Registration Team at the council on 01325-406444.

More information on the review is available on the council's website by visiting www.darlington.gov.uk/your-council/democracy/elections-and-electoral-registration/polling-districts-polling-places-and-polling-stations-review-2018/