As part of the preparation for our Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) on 6th April, being a "sixth year" we are required to create a new Electoral Roll. The process started on Thursday 6th February. Everyone who wishes to be on the new Electoral Roll, which enables you to stand for the Parochial Church Council (PCC) or as Church Warden and vote at the APCM, must complete a new form by Monday 10th March. i.e. Even if you have previously been on the Electoral Roll, you need to complete and submit a new form. Once the information received has been collated, the names (only) of those on the Roll will be displayed in the foyer for 14 days before the APCM.

What is the Electoral Roll?

The Electoral Roll lists everyone who can vote in the APCM and you will need to be included to stand for election to the PCC - the church's governing body - and for roles such as churchwarden. To be on the Electoral Roll you need to be:

(1) baptised, aged 16 or over (or turning 16 during the next 12 months), and not be an ordained clergy person; and

(2) have signed a form of application for enrolment, and be either

   (2A) a member of the Church of England or a Church in communion with it, and resident in the parish, or

   (2B) a member of the Church of England or a Church in communion with it, and not being resident in the parish but have habitually attended public worship in the parish during the preceding six months, or

   (2C) a member in good standing of a Church which is not in communion with the Church of England but which subscribes to the doctrine of the Holy Trinity, declaring yourself also to be a member of the Church of England, and having habitually attended public worship in the parish during the preceding six months.

   (For 2B and 2C, you may still apply to be on the roll if you would have attended during the preceding six months but were prevented from doing so if, for example, you were ill.)

Why be on the Electoral Roll?

Being on our Electoral Roll is a way of saying 'I belong' to St Barnabas Church. It entitles you to vote at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) and to stand for election to the PCC - the church's governing body - and for roles such as churchwarden.

Forms are available from the Electoral Roll Officer - Sharon Dias - in the Church Office, or download a copy here and return it to the Church Office.   This form may completed and signed electronically and submitted by email to [email protected].   If you provide an email address, any communication under the Church Representation Rules may be sent by email to that address.

Photo by Scott Graham on Unsplash