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Polling Stations: Religious Buildings

Asked by Paul HolmesConservativeSpeaker's Committee on the Electoral CommissionTabled Answered 18 March 2026UIN 118900

The question

To ask the Right hon. Member for Kenilworth and Southam, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, what guidance the Electoral Commission has issued to local authorities on the use of (a) churches, (b) synagogues and (c) mosques as polling stations.

Answered by Sir Jeremy Wright

Returning Officers are responsible for deciding where polling stations should be situated. The Commission provides guidance for Returning Officers on booking suitable polling stations. Returning Officers are often faced with limited options in selecting polling stations. The Commission’s guidance advises them to select a suitable venue based on size and accessibility.

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