How do I become a councillor?

Becoming a councillor

If you are interested in becoming a councillor you need, first of all, to be nominated by ten electors from the ward in which you want to stand.
You may also appoint an election agent to assist with your election campaign or you can nominate yourself as an election agent.

Before you can be accepted as a candidate you must be nominated and seconded and gain the further support of eight other people. All eight people must be on the Taunton Deane electoral register for the ward in which you intend to stand as a councillor.

Most candidates are nominated through a political party. However, individuals can stand in their own right, but will only be allowed to describe themselves as 'Independent' on the ballot paper; therefore, they will have to bring their views, policies, beliefs and objectives to the notice of the electors by other publicity, such as posters or leaflets.

Appointment of election agent

An election agent is responsible for controlling the financial aspect of a candidate's campaign. The agent will also assist the candidate in organising meetings and other activities. If you don't appoint an election agent the law assumes you will carry out the duties yourself.

Do I need to provide a deposit?

There is no deposit at a local election, so you do not have to provide any money as security.

The election process

If you wish to stand for election, you will want to know the key dates, where you can obtain nomination papers, how much you can spend on election expenses and how to get further advice. Your first step is to contact our Electoral Registration Office by calling 01823 356356. Staff are available to answer any queries you may have and send you nomination papers.

• You will need to have lived, worked or be registered as an elector within the area of Taunton Deane, not necessarily in the ward in which you are thinking of standing.
• You will need 10 signatories from the ward to nominate you for election, including a proposer and a seconder.
• You will also need to ensure that the procedures are followed exactly and all deadlines are met - the law does not allow for near misses!

More detailed information about the election process can be provided by electoral services.

Register of electors

A Register of Electors can be obtained, free of charge, for the ward in which you are seeking election. The register can only be used for electoral purposes and not sold or used for commercial reasons.

If you would like a copy please contact:

Craig Morse
Electoral Services Manager
Tel: 01823 356356
Email: enquiries@tauntondeane.gov.uk

Nomination Papers must be sent to the Returning Officer at The Deane House, Belvedere Road, Taunton, TA1 1HE.

Taunton Deane's Wards

Taunton Deane is divided into electoral areas called wards and each has a councillor or councillors to represent them. You will be kept informed of council events and initiatives in your ward and can speak for them at council meetings.