Sturminster Newton is a rural town in North Dorset approximately 9 miles from Blandford to the East and 13 miles from Shaftesbury to the North at the heart of the Blackmore Vale. It has a current population of approximately 4500.
The town is mentioned in the Domesday Book and some present day residents can trace their ancestors back for centuries.The last fifteen years have witnessed considerable changes, but thanks to the vision and efforts of its residents and business community the town retains its character and vitality, it remains a friendly and popular place to live, work and visit.
It is well known for The Exchange, a vibrant performing arts and community centre and also the North Dorset Trailway - a popular starting point for walkers and cyclists exploring the area. Sturminster Water Mill is an iconic landmark alongside the rare multi-arched bridge. Sturminster Newton Town Council has
11 Town Councillors and
9 members of staff.
Notice of Election
Dorset Council
Election of Councillors for: Sturminster Newton
Number of Councillors to be elected: One
1.
Nomination papers must be hand delivered to the Returning Officer, Dorset Council, County Hall, Colliton Park, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1XJ between 9.30am and 4pm on any working day after the date of publication of this Notice (excluding bank holidays) but no later than 4pm on Friday 26 September 2025. Please make an appointment to deliver your nomination papers by telephoning Electoral Services on 01305 838299 or emailing elections@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.
2.
Nomination papers may be obtained from the offices of the Returning Officer, Dorset Council, County Hall, Colliton Park, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1XJ, during the times stated above or can be downloaded from https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/guidance-candidates-parish-council-elections-england/nominations/completing-your-nomination-papers.
3.
If any election is contested the poll will take place on Thursday 23 October 2025.
4.
Applications to register to vote must reach the Electoral Registration Officer by 12 midnight on Tuesday 7 October 2025. Apply online to register to vote or download a form: https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.
5.
Applications, amendments or cancellations of postal votes and amendments or cancellations of proxy votes must reach the Electoral Registration Officer at County Hall, Colliton Park, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1XJ by 5pm on Wednesday 8 October 2025. Apply online to vote by post or download a form: https://www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote.
6.
Applications for a Voter Authority Certificate or an Anonymous Elector’s Document valid for this election must reach the Electoral Registration Officer by 5pm on Wednesday 15 October 2025. Apply online for a Voter Authority Certificate or download a form: https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate. Telephone Electoral Services on 01305 838299 or email elections@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk if you need to apply for an Anonymous Elector’s Document.
7.
New applications to vote by proxy at this election must reach the Electoral Registration Officer at County Hall, Colliton Park, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1XJ by 5pm on Wednesday 15 October 2025. Apply online to vote by proxy or download a form: https://www.gov.uk/apply-proxy-vote.
8.
Applications to vote by emergency proxy at this election must reach the Electoral Registration Officer at County Hall, Colliton Park, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1XJ by 5pm on Thursday 23 October 2025. Download a form: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/proxy-voting-application-forms.
Dated Thursday 18 September 2025 Catherine Howe, Returning Officer Printed and published by the Returning Officer, County Hall, Colliton Park, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1XJ
Timetable for By-Election