In a few weeks time, the Polling stations will be open and you will again have the opportunity to vote for members of Your District Council. When you are putting your cross against the candidate of your choice, do you ever wonder if one of the names on that ballot paper could be yours? The simple answer is that it could.
Almost anyone can stand for election to their local council - there are very few restrictions. You must be a British, Commonwealth or European Union citizen, currently over 18, be an elector within the district or have worked or occupied premises within it for the previous 12 months, you may not be bankrupt or have had a criminal conviction carrying a custodial sentence of three months or more within the previous 5 years - and that's it: you qualify.
You do, of course, need to have a lively interest in the issues that affect your community and the desire to be actively involved in helping form and implement the policies that shape it. You don't need any experience. Full induction training is provided to new councillors and there is an ongoing programme of structured training for all council members. You are provided with IT equipment and there is even a modest allowance.
Being a council member does take commitment. You will need to dedicate at least one day a week to the job but even if you are in full-time employment, don't immediately dismiss the possibility of standing for election: many employers will allow time off for council work.
If you think that one day it could be your name on that ballot paper why not find out more by contacting Darren Whitney, Democratic Services Manager at Stratford-on-Avon District Council on 01789 260210 or email elections@stratford-dc.gov.uk
