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Types of elections

Parliamentary elections

Parliamentary elections (also known as General Elections) are usually held every five years. The only exception to this five year rule is if the government resigns and a new one is not formed within 14 days.

In this election, you are voting for someone to become your local Member of Parliament (MP), who will represent your views within the House of Commons. The MP who is supported by over half of all the MPs in the House of Commons will be appointed as Prime Minister and form the government to rule the country.

County Council elections

Elections to Hertfordshire County Council take place every four years, during a year when there are no district council elections. There are 78 Councillors on Hertfordshire County Council. The North Hertfordshire District area returns nine County Councillors.

District Council elections

From May 2024 all 51 district councillors on North Herts Council will be elected at the same time to 25 wards. Elections will take place once every four years.

This follows an electoral review by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England of the number of district councillors, wards and ward names in North Hertfordshire.

Prior to the district council elections in May 2024, the council elected the 49 district councillors by thirds to 24 wards. Find out more about the changes to the electoral cycle.

Parish Council elections

Parish elections are held once every four years, though they do not all happen in the same year. In these elections you are voting to elect parish councillors who will represent your views for the parish in which you live and raise a local tax (precept) to provide specific services for those living in the parish.

Town councils have the same functions as parishes (the designation "town" is ceremonial).

There are a number of parish councils, a town council, parish meetings and a community council within North Hertfordshire. Find details of parish councils and meetings in North Herts.

Police and Crime Commissioner elections

Police and Crime Commissioners (PCC) are elected officials who have responsibility for the policing budget, appointing the Chief Constable and setting out a police crime plan. These elections are held every four years.

More about elections

Electoral Commission