About Elections

Stroud District Council holds elections every year, however only a third of seats are up for election in any year. This allows councillors to serve for a four year period before their seat is contested, and ensures some continuity in the Council from one year to the next.

When will there be an election in my area?

Councillors Retirement Year.
Use our Ward map to check which ward you live in.

We also send out e-mail alerts to let you know when elections are coming up, both to advise you when and how to stand, and to remind you to vote!
Sign up for our e-mail alerts here

By-elections

Very occasionally, a seat may become vacant if a councillor resigns or is no longer able to carry out his or her duties. In this case, a by-election will be held as soon as possible. The by-election will be advertised in the council offices at Ebley Mill and also in the local area. There are no special rules as to who can stand for a by-election - the same rules apply as for standing at ordinary elections (see below).
Sign up for our e-mail alert to be informed of by-elections as they come up.

Interested in standing for election?

In order to stand for election, you do not necessarily have to live in the ward where the election is taking place. However, it will be your job as councillor to represent the interests of those living in that ward / parish. Details of qualification for candidature can be obtained from the Election Office.

The local election timetable is 25 working days. At the start of this process, the Notice of Election is displayed at Ebley Mill and in the locality. As soon as it is displayed you will have about a week to put in a nomination paper. Contact Electoral Services for a nomination form. The Council publishes a list of candidates on this web site, but you will need to organise your own publicity and election campaign. If you are representing one of the main political parties, you are likely to receive support in planning from your party.