A Beverley election steeped in ancient tradition is due to take place at the town’s Guildhall when 12 new Pasture Masters and two auditors will be chosen by the Pasture Freemen.
The election will take place between 9am and 4pm on Friday 1 March 2019.
As written in the Beverley Pasture Act of 1836, both the electors and elected must have their names entered in the Pasture Freemen’s Roll.
Nomination forms can now be obtained from the Clerk to the Pasture Masters at 25 Curlew Close, Beverley, HU17 7QN, telephone (01482) 888201.
Completed forms must be returned to the clerk, at the same address, no later than noon on Friday, 15 February 2019.
Voting papers will then be prepared, listing the names of all of those who have been nominated.
Those whose names are entered on the roll are entitled to vote for up to 12 Pasture Masters and up to two auditors by completing, signing and delivering a voting paper that can only be obtained from the town mayor of Beverley or presiding officer at the Guildhall, Beverley, on the day of the election.
This procedure has been arranged for the convenience of all Pasture Freemen but it will not prevent a Freeman from exercising their traditional right to vote at the election for any other Freeman, whether or not that person has been nominated or appears on the voting paper.
The town mayor or presiding officer has the power to close the poll at any time before 4pm if 20 minutes elapse during which no voting has taken place.
Those appointed Freemen of Beverley who reside in the parishes of Beverley, Molescroft and Woodmansey are eligible to stand for election as a Pasture Master and vote at these elections.
