Exeter set for by-elections in May

Two Exeter City Council wards will hold by-elections on 1 May following the resignation of two councillors.

By-elections will take place in the Mincinglake & Whipton ward, where Naima Allcock has stepped down, and in Topsham, where Joshua Ellis-Jones has also resigned.

These by-elections will determine who represents residents in these wards at Exeter City Council. Councillors play a key role in making decisions on local services, housing, transport, planning applications, and community initiatives. They act as a voice for residents, ensuring local concerns are raised and addressed within the council.

Residents needing assistance or with queries are advised to contact the remaining councillors in each ward. Contact details are available on the Exeter City Council website.

Exeter City Council runs elections in 'thirds,' meaning one-third of councillors are elected each year for three years, with no elections held in the fourth year. Since this is the fourth year, there are no scheduled City Council elections apart from these by-elections to fill the vacant seats.

These elections will take place on the same day as the Devon County Council elections, but they are separate votes. The city council manages local services within Exeter, while Devon County Council is responsible for broader county-wide services, such as education, transport, and social care.

To vote in the by-elections and County Council elections, residents must be registered on the electoral roll. Those who are not yet registered have until midnight on Friday, 11 April, to do so. Anyone unsure about their registration status can contact Exeter City Council at electoral.services@exeter.gov.uk or call 01392 265141.

Those voting in person at a polling station must present appropriate photo ID whilst, residents who prefer to vote by post can apply. The deadline for postal vote applications is 5pm on Monday, 14 April.