THE public notice announcing the election on November 29 is addressed to the freeholders of the High Sheriff's County of Gloucester. The Rules of Procedure for the election of a Verderer issued by the Under Sheriff state that the persons eligible to vote are the freeholders of the county.

The vote, however, is not restricted to freeholders and the Under Sheriff has confirmed to me that owners of land (including freeholders, leaseholders and tenants who have purchased part of the freehold to their home under a shared-ownership scheme) may vote.

In addition voters need not bring evidence of their ownership or proof of residency to the hearing. Each voter, however, will be asked to give their name and address.

The hearing is at 11am and it may be advisable to arrive early to ensure that one is able to vote.

– Alan Robertson, St Briavels.