Hampshire pubs to become polling stations (From Daily Echo)

Hampshire pubs to become polling stations

7:40am Thursday 7th May 2009

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A PINT of beer and a ballot paper please!

Four Hampshire pubs are to become polling stations for elections in June.

Locals will be able to stroll down to the pubs in Winchester to cast their vote for the county council and European elections.

The pubs taking part are the Northbrook Arms in East Stratton, the Percy Hobbs in Alresford Road, the March Hare in Harestock and the Tichborne Arms in Tichborne.

Stephen Whetnall, returning officer for Winchester district, said the Northbrook Arms was chosen this year because East Stratton village hall has been bulldozed while the Percy Hobbs was an alternative to Intech science centre at Morn Hill.

Meanwhile the Tichborne Arms has served as a polling station for about 20 years as there is no village hall and the March Hare for a couple of years.

Mr Whetnall said the polling stations will be screened off from the bars.

Wendy Nichols, landlady of the Northbrook Arms in East Stratton, said: “The pub is the hub of the community and as our village hall has been demolished there is no other meeting place to gather. I’m hoping for a big turnout.”

The countdown to elections on June 4 has officially begun with today the deadline for candidates’ nomination papers to be submitted.

Councils will start delivering polling cards to every registered voter this weekend. To vote in an election people must be on the electoral register. Those not already on it have until May 19 to register to vote.

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