Election date:
There are currently no upcoming Devon County Council elections.
You don’t need to wait for the next election to understand the voting process. Get informed and be prepared to make your voice heard!
Getting your voice heard
Jemeillia Murfin sat down with Devon County Council’s, Head of Democratic and Legal Services, Maria Price, to discuss democracy in Devon and how young people can get their voices heard to make change.
What should I consider before I vote?
- Make sure you are eligible to vote
The Electoral Commission website has lots of useful information about who can vote in different elections.
- Make sure you are registered to vote
You don’t need to wait for the next election to register to vote. Find out more about registering to vote on the Government website.
- Make sure you have ID
You will need to have an accepted form of photo ID to be able to vote in person at a polling station. If you don’t have any of these, you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate. Just remember you have to be registered to vote before you can apply!
- Decide how you’re going to vote
Did you know that you can vote by post or nominate someone you trust to vote on your behalf (proxy vote) instead of voting in person? Make sure you know about the different ways to vote and how to apply for each one. Don’t leave it too late as there are strict deadlines to apply for a postal or proxy vote. Find out more about the different ways to vote on The Electoral Commission website.
- Finding out more about who is standing in your area
It’s important to make an informed decision about who you want to vote for, so make sure you do your research! You can find out more about what Devon County Council does on our website.
- I’m a student, where should I vote?
You may be able to register to vote at both your home address and your term-time address. Take a look at The Electoral Commission guidance about voting as a student.
- How do I know where my nearest polling station is?
Use the post code checker on The Electoral Commission website to find out all about your next election including who’s standing, where your polling station is, and who to contact if you need help. The address of your polling station will also appear on your poll card which will be sent to you ahead of polling day. Please note, you must make sure to attend the right polling station (the one listed on your polling card), otherwise you will not be able to cast your vote.
- What other questions do we get asked about voting in Devon?
Take a look at some of the other questions we get asked about voting in Devon on our frequently asked questions page.
What to expect on polling day
We understand it can be a bit daunting going to a polling station and not knowing what to expect. If you decide to vote in person at a polling station, here are some top tips:
- Remember your ID
You’ll need it to be able to vote!
- Do I need my polling card?
The short answer is no, you don’t have to take your polling card with you. It might speed up the process when you get to the polling station, but poll clerks will have a list of people who are able to vote on the day and will be able to look up your name.
- What do I need to do to cast my vote?
Polling stations open at 7am and close at 10pm. Once the poll clerks have confirmed your identity, they will give you your ballot paper and you will then be directed to a booth. Make sure you read the instructions on your ballot paper which explain how you can cast your vote. If you wear a face covering or mask for religious, cultural or medical reasons you may need to remove it briefly so that the poll clerks can confirm your identity.
- What happens if I do it wrong?
Don’t panic if you fill in the ballot paper wrong, just speak to a poll clerk who will help.
- Can I take a picture or selfie?
No, you can’t take a selfie or photo inside the polling station as it risks the secrecy of the vote. You can take one outside the polling station though.
- Who are the people outside of the polling station?
Tellers are volunteers for the candidates standing in the election and are there to get an idea of how many people have voted. They are allowed to ask you how you voted and may ask for your electoral number, however, you don’t have to tell them if you don’t want to.
- I can’t make it to the polling station, can I still vote?
Things happen and sometimes it isn’t possible to vote as you had planned at your local polling station. If you can’t make it to the polling station, maybe you’re away or too ill to come, and you have missed the deadlines to apply for a postal or proxy vote, then you can apply for an emergency proxy vote until 5pm on polling day. There’s more information about emergency proxy votes on The Electoral Commission website.
- Where can I get more information about voting in my area?
Visit your local District Council website to learn more about voting in these elections in your area.
What happens after the election?
- How can I find out the results?
- Are there other ways I can get involved in local government and democracy?
- Find out more about how you can get involved in Devon on our Democracy website.
- Want to make a difference? Find out more about becoming a Devon county councillor.
- The Electoral Commission also has information about getting involved in democracy and some useful guidance for young people looking to get involved in local democracy and government.
- Find out more about our Devon Youth Council for 11 to 23 year olds (up to 25 if you have additional needs).
Your vote is your voice
Choose who makes decisions on the issues you care about and make your voice heard.