Dorchester is going to the polls tomorrow – a fortnight before the rest of the country.

But instead of selecting a political representative, voters will be having their say on a £10.7million relocation plan by West Dorset District Council.

Organisers are asking people to cast their vote in the parish poll – the first in the area in living memory.

Residents are being urged to visit their polling station between 4pm and 9pm tomorrow and register a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ vote to the poll’s question.

It will ask: “Do you agree with the proposal of West Dorset District Council to move from their present headquarters in High West Street to a new multi-million pound office block which they propose to build?”

Council chiefs say that re-locating to the Charles Street development in the town centre would increase efficiency and reduce the burden on the taxpayer.

Poll proposer Sarah Wilkinson, of Dorchester, said: “I think this will be a historic moment.

“We’ve got this democratic process taking place in Dorchester for the first time.

“People have been given a chance to say whether they agree with it or not.

“Up until now there hasn’t been any public consultation of any magnitude.”

Volunteers have delivered two leaflets to the homes of 13,500 eligible voters. The second of the leaflets informs people where their local polling station is.

Mrs Wilkinson added: “People have been very supportive in helping to deliver leaflets and donating money to get leaflets printed. It’s been quite full-time.

“This poll is completely non-political and cross party – we’ve had people from every party leafleting.

“A lot of people want to see this happen. One woman came out from behind the counter at the bank to shake my hand and said how proud she was that this was happening.

“This is about giving people a democratic voice – it’s not about telling them what to think. It’s so people can have an opportunity to be heard.”

Although the poll isn’t legally binding, Mrs Wilkinson said she hoped the results would send out a message to the district council.

Local resident Lorna Low is also offering to give a lift to anyone who needs transport to their polling station.

She can be contacted on 01305 263430.

The votes will be counted at the council chamber after the polls closed at 9pm. See dorchesterforum .com for more information.