FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON LOCAL COUNCIL
ELECTIONS
Why would I want to be a councillor?
Local (parish and town) councillors are passionate about their communities and
seek to make a change to help improve the lives of their residents. Local councils
run numerous services, depending on their size. These include introducing solar
panels, setting up dementia-friendly groups, organising community buses,
creating neighbourhood plans, implementing suitable housing, establishing youth
projects, managing allotments and open spaces, maintaining footpaths, public
seating and litter bins.
Becoming a councillor is a rewarding experience. A councillor’s role can include
responsibilities such as developing strategies and plans for their community,
helping with problems and ideas, representing the community, working with other
local community groups, decision making and reviewing decisions and talking to
the community about their needs and council decisions.
How do I become a councillor?
There are six simple steps to becoming a councillor:
1. Check for elections in your area by emailing your elections officer. Submit
your nomination to the returning officer — find out more about
the process and the criteria
2. Wait for your nomination to be accepted
3. Your nomination is made public by the principal authority
4. Start your elections campaign
5. Polling day
Am I eligible to stand for election?
You must be:
• A British citizen or a citizen of the Commonwealth, or the European Union
• 18 years of age or older
• Live in an area that is served by a local council
