Residents in Kendal are being invited to help shape where and how they vote, as Westmorland and Furness Council reviews local polling districts, polling places and polling stations across the area.
The consultation is already under way and closes on 5 October 2026. The council says the review is intended to ensure voting arrangements remain convenient, accessible and suitable for local communities.
What residents can comment on
People can give their views on existing polling arrangements, including whether their current polling place works well for them. Suggestions for alternative polling districts, polling places and polling stations will also be considered where appropriate.
The review also covers proposals put forward by the Acting Returning Officers for parliamentary constituencies that fall wholly or partly within Westmorland and Furness. The area is divided between four constituencies: Barrow and Furness, Morecambe and Lunesdale, Penrith and Solway, and Westmorland and Lonsdale.
As part of the process, the council is particularly seeking views from residents and organisations with expertise in accessibility and supporting people with disabilities. Comments are also welcome from registered electors, local political parties, MPs, councillors, parish and town councils, and community groups.
How to respond in Kendal
Residents can submit comments online through the council's polling district review webpage. Responses can also be sent 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 Kendal Town Hall, as well as Barrow Town Hall and Voreda House in Penrith. The council says comments received during the review will be published anonymously on its website.
When will changes be decided?
Once the consultation has closed, Westmorland and Furness Council is due to consider final proposals on 26 November 2026. The outcome will then be published on the council's website.
“Voting is one of the most important ways people 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.”
Linda Jones, the council's Director for Law and Governance, said residents should respond before the 5 October deadline if they believe local arrangements need improving.