Elections are a democratic process where citizens aged 18 and
over elect political candidates to represent them and their
interests locally, nationally or internationally. The process is
determined by a voting system, where citizens vote for one
candidate. The candidate with the majority of votes is elected.
Anyone who is enrolled on the Electoral Register is able to
vote.
There are three different types of election:
1. Local Government Elections
West Lancashire has 25 wards, 54 councillors and 21 Parish
Councils. Councillors are elected by a simple majority and serve
for four years. Council elections are held for 3 years in every 4.
Lancashire County Council Elections are held in the fourth year,
which is scheduled for Thursday 2 May 2013. Casual vacancies
can sometimes occur due to factors such as retirement, illness or
death.
The most recent Borough Council and some Parish Council
elections, were held on Thursday 3 May 2012; for results
visit the election
results page.
2. UK Parliamentary Elections
The West Lancashire Borough is served by the West Lancashire
Parliamentary constituency. The wards of Rufford, Tarleton,
Hesketh-with-Becconsall and North Meols form part of South Ribble
Parliamentary constituency. Each constituency returns one MP on a
simple majority.
A government serves for a maximum of five years before
dissolving. However, the government may call a parliamentary (or
'general') election at any time during the five-year period.
By-elections may occur due to factors such as retirement, illness
or death.
The last UK parliamentary election was held on
Thursday 6 May 2010.
To find out more about more about Parliamentary elections visit
the referendum pages of the Electoral Commission
website (external link)
3. European Parliamentary Elections
The European Parliament serves for a fixed term of five years.
Election dates are set by the European Parliament.
The last European Parliamentary elections took place on
Thursday 4 June 2009 and results were declared on Sunday 7
June 2009. To find out more about European Parliamentary elections
in the North West visit North West Votes (external
link). Further information can also be found on
the European Parliament website (external
link).
Police and Crime Commissioners Election
The Police and Crime Commissioners Election is Scheduled to take
place on 15 November 2012.