Residents in Kendal and across Westmorland and Furness are being asked to help decide whether local polling districts, polling places and polling stations remain convenient, accessible and suitable for their communities.
Westmorland and Furness Council’s review is open until 5 October 2026. People can comment on existing arrangements or suggest alternative locations and boundaries where they believe changes are needed.
What the council is reviewing
The consultation covers polling districts, polling places and polling stations across the council area. The council is also seeking views on proposals made by acting returning officers for parliamentary constituencies that fall wholly or partly within Westmorland and Furness.
The area is divided between four parliamentary constituencies: Barrow and Furness, Morecambe and Lunesdale, Penrith and Solway, and Westmorland and Lonsdale.
Linda Jones, the council’s Director for Law and Governance, said:
“Voting is one of the most important ways people can have their say in local and national democracy. “We want to make sure that polling arrangements continue to meet the needs of our communities, so we’re encouraging residents to tell us whether current arrangements work well in their area and to suggest improvements where they feel they are needed.”
Who can respond and how
The council is particularly interested in hearing from residents and organisations with expertise in accessibility and supporting people with disabilities. Comments are also invited from registered electors, local political parties, MPs, councillors, parish and town councils, and community groups.
Responses can be submitted online through the council’s polling district review webpage, by email to [email protected], or by post to Electoral Services, Voreda House, Portland Place, Penrith, CA11 7BF.
Documents connected with the review can be inspected at Barrow Town Hall, Kendal Town Hall and Voreda House in Penrith. All comments received will be published anonymously on the council’s website.
When will decisions be made?
After the consultation closes, Westmorland and Furness Council is due to consider the final proposals on 26 November 2026. The outcome will then be published on the council’s website.
Residents who want to comment on polling arrangements in Kendal or elsewhere in Westmorland and Furness are encouraged to submit their views before the 5 October deadline.