Eight candidates compete to become next MP for South Dorset

The names of all those standing in the South Dorset parliamentary constituency covering Swanage have been officially confirmed, ahead of the UK General Election taking place on Thursday 4th July 2024.

There’s a choice of eight candidates from across the political spectrum, for all those registered to vote and living in the constituency, which also covers Weymouth and most of Purbeck but not Wareham.

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Swanage voters are in the South Dorset parliamentary constituency

South Dorset candidates in alphabetical order

  • Matt Bell – 13 Roman Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT3SJQ – Liberal Democrats
  • Catherine Bennett – Address in South Dorset constituency – Green Party
  • Richard Drax – Address in Mid Dorset and North Poole constituency – The Conservative Party candidate
  • Lloyd Hatton – 51 Roman Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT3 5JH – Labour Party
  • Giovanna Elizabeth Lewis – Address in South Dorset constituency – No description given
  • Rosie Frisby Morrell – Address in West Dorset constituency – No description given
  • Joy Heather Wilson – Address in South Dorset constituency – Independent
  • Morgan Tara Young – Address in South Derbyshire constituency – Reform UK

If not already registered to vote, the deadline for registering, which can be done online, is midnight on Tuesday 18th June 2024.

Polling station at Swanage Methodist Church

The Methodist church in Swanage will be a polling station again for the general election on Thursday 4th July 2024

Voting in person

A poll card will be sent through the post and it will give the address of where to vote. Voters can only vote in person at their allocated polling station and must bring photo ID with them.

Accepted forms of ID include a passport, driver’s licence, and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card.

Voters will be able to use expired photo ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.

Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID can apply for a free photographic ID online or by completing a paper form by 5 pm on Wednesday 26th June 2024.

Voting by post

Many residents have already signed up for a postal vote. Anyone who would like to apply for a postal vote at these elections, needs to apply before 5 pm on Wednesday 19th June 2024.

Those who have applied to vote by post, will receive a ballot paper in the post with a form asking for the voter’s signature and date of birth.

The form needs to be posted back in the envelope provided as soon as possible. If it’s not posted back by the deadline, then the envelope can be taken to a polling station within the parliamentary constituency or to the electoral services office, where the voter will be required to complete a form.

Voting by proxy

For those who can’t visit the polling station on election day, a person can nominate another person to vote on their behalf.

The reason for a proxy vote has to be given and it needs to be applied for by 5pm on Wednesday 26th June 2024.

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Dorset Council will be organising the parliamentary constituency elections within its area

“Make sure you are able to have your say”

Director of legal and democratic at Dorset Council, Jonathan Mair said:

“To have your say on who gets elected you must be registered to vote. The deadline for registering is midnight on Tuesday 18th June.

“If you have not yet registered to vote, have recently moved house or recently turned 18, you will need to register in order to be able to vote. It takes just five minutes to apply online.

“However you decide to vote, make sure you are able to have your say.”

Further information

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