A candidate in a Cornish election this week believes most people in the area don’t even know about it and is disappointed that polling cards haven’t been sent out to residents.

David Rule is one of two candidates fighting to win a seat on Helston Town Council.

The by-election for the Helston South ward takes place on Thursday (January 9) but Cornish Independent candidate David Rule has been shocked at how few people in the town know they should be going to the polls. However, Helston Town Council says it has done everything it can to publicise the election.

Mr Rule said: “The by-election for Helston South is now only a few days away. Unfortunately, no polling cards were sent out to voters in the ward and, talking to people as I go door-to-door, the thing I’ve heard most often is, ‘I didn’t know there was an election happening!'”

Mr Rule is standing against Liberal Democrat candidate Margaret Riley. Both prospective town councillors live in Helston.

A spokesperson for Cornwall Council said: “There is no statutory requirement for polling cards to be issued for town and parish council elections. Helston Town Council opted not to issue polling cards for the by-election on January 9 due to the costs involved. All candidates were informed of this decision. The by-election has been promoted by the town council.”

Mr Rule replied that he was aware of the town council’s decision not to issue polling cards, but “this does not change the fact that some voters say they are only hearing about the election for the first time when they are canvassed”.

Abbie Harris, Helston Town Council’s communications officer, said the local authority has done all it can to make residents aware of the by-election: “We’ve been working to make sure people know about the Helston South by-election by sharing information on the Helston Town Council Facebook page, posted notices on noticeboards around town for those who aren’t online, contacting local media outlets and candidates themselves have also been canvassing in the area.

“The decision not to issue polling cards was made after careful consideration. At a cost of around £2,000, the council decided it didn’t seem justifiable for an election where the successful candidate will only be in post for four months, as there’s a full election coming up [all Cornwall’s councils go to the polls in May], especially as polling cards aren’t necessary for people to vote – anyone who is registered can head to the polling station and cast their vote as usual which we’ve making the public aware of.

“We understand that one of the candidates has raised concerns but we have done what we can within reasonable limits and legal guidelines to publicise the election and make people aware that they don’t need polling cards.”

The by-election will take place this Thursday (January 9) between 7am and 10pm. There are two polling stations in Helston at the Old Cattle Market, Porthleven Road and Helston Catholic Church Hall, Clodgey Lane.