Dorset parish elections for areas where there were not enough candidates for polls to be held on May 2 will now be held on May 23, the same day as the European Parliamentary elections.

The decision to hold both on the same day will reduce the cost for the parishes involved.

Fourteen parish areas are involved – covering eight parish, or group parish areas. In each case after May 7 these councils will not be able to function until the legal minimum of councillors is reached, whether or not an election is needed.

Nominations for these areas have to reach the Returning Officer at South Walks House, Dorchester no later than 4pm on Thursday, April 25.

The parishes where elections are being re-advertised are – Bothenhampton (6 seats), Walditch (1), Bradford Peverell (7), Chedington (3), Chettle (5), Comton Valence (2), Frampton (5), Holwell (6), Marnhull (11), Purse Caundle (5), South Perrott (1), Toller Fratrum (2), West Compton (2), Wynford Eagle (2).

Nomination papers may be obtained from the offices of the Returning Officer, South Walks House, South Walks Road, Dorchester, DT1 1UZ during office hours, or online at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/elections.

Applications to register to vote must reach the Electoral Registration Officer by 12 midnight on Tuesday May 7. Applications can be made online: https://www.gov.uk/registerto-vote.

Applications, amendments or cancellations of postal votes must reach the Electoral Registration Officer at South Walks House, South Walks Road, Dorchester, DT1 1UZ by 5pm on Wednesday May 8.

Applications to vote by proxy at this election must reach the Electoral Registration Officer at South Walks House, South Walks Road, Dorchester, DT1 1UZ by 5pm on Wednesday May 15.

Applications to vote by emergency proxy at this election on the grounds of physical incapacity or for work/service reasons must reach the Electoral Registration Officer at South Walks House, South Walks Road, Dorchester, DT1 1UZ by 5pm on Thursday May 23. The physical incapacity must have occurred after 5pm on Wednesday May 15.