Penrith Town Council by-elections: nominations open

The notices of election were published on October 23, giving potential candidates until 4pm on October 31 to submit their nomination papers.

If more than one candidate stands in each ward, the by-elections will be held on Thursday, November 27, 2025.

Residents in the Penrith South and Penrith West wards who are already registered to vote do not need to re-register.

However, if you have moved or changed address within these wards since responding to the voter registration form, you will need to re-register by midnight on November 11 to vote in the by-election.

You can register to vote online or request a registration form to be sent by post from Westmorland and Furness Council.

Those interested in standing can get more information by emailing elections2@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk.

Nomination papers are available from the returning officer at Voreda House, Portland Place, Penrith, CA11 7BF, and must be submitted by 4pm on October 31.

New rules for postal voting mean voters are encouraged to use the Royal Mail envelope provided with the postal vote pack.

Anyone returning a postal vote by hand must complete a postal vote return form, and can only hand in up to five postal votes for others, plus their own.

Postal votes cannot be put through council office letterboxes or internal mailboxes and may be rejected if the rules are not followed.

More information on postal voting is available on the government website.

Anyone voting in person must show a form of photo ID.

Those without an eligible form of ID can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate (VAC) online.

The deadline for VAC applications is 5pm on November 19.

Voters can register online at gov.uk/register-to-vote, or request a postal registration form from Westmorland and Furness Council.