Frequently asked questions

You will be voting for someone who can help Devon County Council make decisions on key services including education, roads, social care for vulnerable adults and children as well as the local environment and Devon’s countryside. Find out what other services Devon County Council are responsible for.

By voting in the Devon County Council election, you are choosing the person who will use their local knowledge to stand up for the issues most important to you and the needs of your community. Find out what a councillor is and what they do.

The ballot paper will list the candidates and indicate whether they are representing a political party or standing as an Independent candidate. However, if you would like to see a list before polling day, we have published the list of candidates (statement of persons nominated) for each area.

Local government elections occur in Devon every four years, meaning councillors are elected for a four-year term. Therefore, it’s important to use your vote, especially if you want to change have a say in how things are being run locally, and choose someone who represents your views. Find out what a councillor is and what they do.

There are three different ways you can vote. You can choose the way that suits you. You can either vote in person at the polling station, by post, or ask someone you trust to vote on your behalf (by proxy).

If you have a disability, your local district council’s Electoral Services Team can tell you about physical access, for example wheelchair ramps and disabled parking spaces, low-level polling booths, and any specific equipment you need. 

Every polling station must provide at least one large print display version of the ballot paper. 

If you can’t vote in person due to a disability, then you can apply to vote by post  or vote by proxy. 

Easy read guides  to voting are also available to help people with a learning disability, their families and support workers.

Voting for the first time is an exciting and important milestone, but we understand it can be daunting too. We’ve put together a useful summary of top tips that will help you navigate the process and know what to expect.

If someone feels that their name and address being on the electoral register could affect their safety, or the safety of someone in their household, they may be able to register to vote anonymously. Find out about the three steps to register to vote anonymously.

It’s illegal for anyone to influence you to vote against your will. Voter fraud can take many different forms. No-one, not even a partner or family member, is allowed to:

• Pressure you into voting a certain way
• Offer you something in exchange for your vote
• Pretend to be you at the polling station
• Complete your postal vote for you

If someone tries to take your vote, or the vote of anyone you know, call the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit the Crimestoppers website for more information.

A person who does not have a fixed or permanent address may register at the place where they spend most of their time, or to which they have a local connection.

The Electoral Commission has more information about other registration options on their website.

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.