Dorset Council says it is prepared for the snap general election two weeks before Christmas.

Political parties are preparing for an election campaign after MPs voted for a poll on Thursday, December 12.

Yesterday the House of Lords was considering the one-page Bill which was passed on Tuesday by the Commons, enabling the election to take place in December.

But at a time when school, church and village halls – the usual venues which act as polling stations – could be hosting Christmas events such as nativities and fetes, there is a concern there could be problems with availability.

However Dorset Council – co-ordinating its first election – says it is ready, and doesn’t believe there will be issues with polling stations.

A council spokesman said: “We have prepared for a snap election. Now a date has been confirmed we will bring these plans into action.”

The spokesman added: “You must be registered to vote if you want to take part in elections or referendums. If you are not sure whether you are registered you can call the Elections Team on 01305 838299 to check. Alternatively, you can register online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.”

Regarding the availability of polling stations, the spokesman said: “We have contacted all our polling stations and we haven’t received anything back to indicate that this is a problem. We have alternative options if there are issues. People will need to check the address of their polling station on their polling cards in case there is a change.”