What is the Church electoral roll?
Simply put, it is a list of people who consider themselves connected with or a part of St Mary’s Speldhurst, St Martin’s Ashurst, or St John’s Groombridge, perhaps by attending worship or living nearby. Every parish church in the Church of England has an electoral roll. The roll size contributes to decisions about the collection and distribution of resources (eg Parish share payable, Diocesan support to parish).
NB the Church electoral roll is completely separate from the civic electoral roll, which allows you to vote in parliamentary and local elections.
Why should I join the Church electoral roll?
Join because it’s an official recognition that you are connected with and a part of St Mary’s, St Martin’s or St John’s and playing your part in following Jesus. It gives you rights to vote for, nominate and stand for election as a member of our District Church Councils (DCCs) and United Parochial Church Council (UPCC). DCC and UPCC members are the Trustees of our three churches and are responsible for the finances and church buildings. They work with the Rector or (in interregnum) wardens to deliver our vision “Growing the Love of Jesus in Our Community”. Being on the electoral roll can be a supporting factor in relation to other rights, eg getting married or being buried here.
Who can be on the Church electoral roll?
To join the Church electoral roll, you must be:
- 16 years or over by 18th May 2025. (If you are 15, you can complete a form and we will add you when you turn 16.)
- Baptised into the Christian faith
- A lay person (not an ordained person)
You should also consider yourself to be a part of the Church of England and either live within the parish boundary or regularly attend worship here at St Mary’s, St Martin’s or St John’s (at least once a month). If you attend another Anglican church, you can be on more than one electoral roll, as long as you meet the criteria above. If you attend churches of different denominations, you’re welcome to be on our electoral roll if you consider yourself part of the Church of England.
What is expected of me if I am on the Church electoral roll?
There are no specific expectations. We invite everyone to take an active part in our life together through prayer, worship, events, volunteering and financial donations.
What happens to my information?
We will publish only your name on a printed copy in church. We will not publish your address, email address or any other information you provide. We will only use this information for electoral roll purposes.
How do I join the Church electoral roll?
We encourage all those who are able to fill in the form online to please do so as this makes it easier administratively and maximises accuracy.
If we have your previous record in ChurchSuite, you should have received an email with a link to your personal form. If not, please submit a fresh Electoral Roll Application form here – it only takes a minute. The deadline for 2025 Electoral Roll applications is May 6.
(Alternatively you can download a paper form or pick one up in church.)
Further information and help:
For queries about joining the Church Electoral Roll, please contact our Electoral Roll Officer (Min Flemington) or our Parish Administrator (Rachael Foster)
Find out which parish you live in.
You can use this map to check whether you live in the parish of Speldhurst with Groombridge and Ashurst, so you know which box to tick on the form.