{"id":11498,"date":"2025-02-18T09:33:36","date_gmt":"2025-02-18T09:33:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/democracy\/?page_id=11498"},"modified":"2025-04-04T09:21:31","modified_gmt":"2025-04-04T08:21:31","slug":"frequently-asked-questions","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/democracy\/elections-and-voting\/your-vote-is-your-voice\/frequently-asked-questions\/","title":{"rendered":"Frequently asked questions"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"accordion-tabs-block\"><ul class=\"accordion\" id=\"votedifference\" data-responsive-accordion-tabs=\"accordion medium-accordion large-accordion\" data-allow-all-closed=\"true\" data-multi-expand=\"true\"><li id=\"item-67ef96886e6ad-0\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\">How is this different to a general election? <\/a><div class=\"accordion-content\" data-tab-content><p>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\u2019s countryside. Find out what other <a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/democracy\/beacouncillor\/being-a-devon-county-councillor\/what-does-devon-county-council-do\/\">services<\/a> Devon County Council are responsible for.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li id=\"item-67ef96886e6ad-1\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\">How will my vote make a difference? <\/a><div class=\"accordion-content\" data-tab-content><p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW260705575 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW260705575 BCX0\">By voting in the <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW260705575 BCX0\">Devon <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW260705575 BCX0\">County Council<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW260705575 BCX0\">election<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW260705575 BCX0\">,<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW260705575 BCX0\"> 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.<\/span> <\/span><span class=\"TextRun Underlined SCXW260705575 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW260705575 BCX0\">Find out <a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/democracy\/beacouncillor\/who-can-be-a-councillor\/what-is-a-councillor-and-what-do-they-do\/\">what a councillor is and what they do.<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li id=\"item-67ef96886e6ad-2\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\">Where can I find a list of the candidates for my area? <\/a><div class=\"accordion-content\" data-tab-content><p><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW66244324 BCX0\">The ballot paper will list the candidates and <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW66244324 BCX0\">indicate<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW66244324 BCX0\"> whether they are representing a political party or standing as an <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW66244324 BCX0\">Independent<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW66244324 BCX0\"> candidate<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW66244324 BCX0\">. <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW253689546 BCX0\">However<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW253689546 BCX0\">,<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW253689546 BCX0\"> i<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW253689546 BCX0\">f you would like <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW253689546 BCX0\">to<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW253689546 BCX0\">see a list before polling day, <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW253689546 BCX0\">we have published <a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/democracy\/elections-and-voting\/candidates-for-election-2025\/\">the list of candidates (statement of persons nominated) for each area.<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li id=\"item-67ef96886e6ad-3\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\">How often does a county council election take place? <\/a><div class=\"accordion-content\" data-tab-content><p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW119904179 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW119904179 BCX0\">Local government elections <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW119904179 BCX0\">occu<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW119904179 BCX0\">r<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW119904179 BCX0\">in Devon <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW119904179 BCX0\">every <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW119904179 BCX0\">four <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW119904179 BCX0\">years<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW119904179 BCX0\">, <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW119904179 BCX0\">meaning councillors are elected for a <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW119904179 BCX0\">four<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW119904179 BCX0\">-year term<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW119904179 BCX0\">. <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW119904179 BCX0\">Therefore, <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW119904179 BCX0\">it\u2019s<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW119904179 BCX0\"> important to use your vote, especially if you<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW119904179 BCX0\"> want to<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun Strikethrough SCXW119904179 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"auto\"> <span class=\"NormalTextRun CommentStart CommentHighlightPipeRest CommentHighlightRest SCXW119904179 BCX0\">change<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW119904179 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"auto\"> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW119904179 BCX0\">have a say<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW119904179 BCX0\"> in<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW119904179 BCX0\">how things are being run <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW119904179 BCX0\">locally, and<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW119904179 BCX0\"> choose someone who <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW119904179 BCX0\">represents<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW119904179 BCX0\"> your views.<\/span> <\/span><span class=\"TextRun Underlined SCXW119904179 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/democracy\/beacouncillor\/who-can-be-a-councillor\/what-is-a-councillor-and-what-do-they-do\/\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW119904179 BCX0\">Find out what a councillor is and what they do<\/span><\/a><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW119904179 BCX0\">.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li id=\"item-67ef96886e6ad-4\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\">How can I vote?<\/a><div class=\"accordion-content\" data-tab-content><p>There are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/democracy\/?page_id=11406#readytovote\">three different ways you can vote. <\/a> 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).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li id=\"item-67ef96886e6ad-5\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\">I have a disability, can I vote? <\/a><div class=\"accordion-content\" data-tab-content><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you have a disability, <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">your local district council\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/contact-electoral-registration-office\" rel=\"noopener\">Electoral Services Team<\/a> <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">can tell you about physical access, for example wheelchair ramps and disabled parking spaces, low-level polling booths, and any specific equipment you need.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Every polling station must provide at least one large print display version of the ballot paper.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you can\u2019t vote in person due to a disability, then you can apply to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.electoralcommission.org.uk\/voting-and-elections\/ways-vote\/apply-vote-post\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">vote by post<\/span> <\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0or <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">vote by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.electoralcommission.org.uk\/voting-and-elections\/ways-vote\/apply-vote-proxy\" rel=\"noopener\">proxy<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.learningdisabilitydevon.org.uk\/voting-in-the-local-election-on-may-1st\/\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Easy read guides<\/span><\/a> <span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0to voting are also available to help people with a learning disability, their families and support workers.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li id=\"item-67ef96886e6ad-6\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\">I\u2019m a first-time voter, what do I need to know?<\/a><div class=\"accordion-content\" data-tab-content><p>Voting for the first time is an exciting and important milestone, but we understand it can be daunting too. We\u2019ve put together a useful <a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/democracy\/elections-and-voting\/your-vote-is-your-voice\/firsttimevoter\/\">summary of top tips<\/a> that will help you navigate the process and know what to expect.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li id=\"item-67ef96886e6ad-7\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\">Can I vote anonymously?<\/a><div class=\"accordion-content\" data-tab-content><p>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.electoralcommission.org.uk\/voting-and-elections\/who-can-vote\/register-vote\/register-vote-anonymously\" rel=\"noopener\">three steps to register to vote anonymously.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li id=\"item-67ef96886e6ad-8\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\">What do I do if someone tries to influence the way I vote?<\/a><div class=\"accordion-content\" data-tab-content><p>It\u2019s 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:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Pressure you into voting a certain way<\/li>\n<li>Offer you something in exchange for your vote<\/li>\n<li>Pretend to be you at the polling station<\/li>\n<li>Complete your postal vote for you<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/crimestoppers-uk.org\/get-involved\/campaigns\/your-vote-is-yours-alone\" rel=\"noopener\">Crimestoppers<\/a> website for more information.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li id=\"item-67ef96886e6ad-9\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\">Can I register to vote if I don&#8217;t have a fixed or permanent address?<\/a><div class=\"accordion-content\" data-tab-content><p>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.<\/p>\n<p>The Electoral Commission has <a href=\"https:\/\/www.electoralcommission.org.uk\/voting-and-elections\/who-can-vote\/other-registration-options\" rel=\"noopener\">more information about other registration options on their website.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li id=\"item-67ef96886e6ad-10\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\">I am a student, where should I vote? <\/a><div class=\"accordion-content\" data-tab-content><p>You may be able to register to vote at both your home address and your term-time address.\u202f Take a look at\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.electoralcommission.org.uk\/voting-and-elections\/who-can-vote\/students\" rel=\"noopener\">The Electoral Commission guidance<\/a> about voting as a student.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" <span class=\"orange text-excerpt\">&gt;<\/span>","protected":false},"author":1801,"featured_media":0,"parent":11406,"menu_order":2,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-11498","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-06-02 13:16:49","action":"Draft","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/democracy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/11498","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/democracy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/democracy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/democracy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1801"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/democracy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11498"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/democracy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/11498\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12239,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/democracy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/11498\/revisions\/12239"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/democracy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/11406"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/democracy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11498"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}