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Polling Stations: Religious Buildings

Asked by David SimmondsConservativeMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled Answered 18 March 2026UIN 119518

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, further to the press release entitled Weekend voting and shopping centre polling stations to be trialled, on 2 March 2026, whether the plans for mobile voting stations will include visiting community facilities registered under the Places of Worship Registration Act 1855.

Answered by Samantha Dixon

The choice of polling station is a matter for the independent Returning Officer. The Electoral Commission is responsible for providing guidance to Returning Officers and do so on the selection of appropriate polling stations. The Electoral Commission is also responsible for setting standards and monitoring the performance of Returning Officers.

Mobile polling stations are not being piloted during the May 2026 local elections. Future pilots could include mobile polling stations and if taken forward the details in the questions would be considered.

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