Introduction
May 2022 elections to Somerset Council
Dates and times for Election Candidate Briefings: 23 February 2022, 5.15pm to 6.15pm and 2 March 2022, 5.15pm to 6.15pm.
Contact – email: democraticservices@somerset.gov.uk Phone: 01823 357628
Have you thought about improving the community you live in and influencing decisions in your area? If so, you may want to consider becoming a County Councillor.
A County Councillor is someone who is elected by the people to one of the electoral divisions in Somerset to represent them on the Council. As a member of the County Council, he or she has to consider not just the interests of their local electorate but what is in the best interests of the county of Somerset as a whole.
Becoming a County Councillor
This Information on becoming a County Councillor booklet provides an insight into the role and responsibilities of councillors, and some information about the Council itself can be downloaded below.
You can also download and read the latest Members Allowances Annual Report.
County Council elections
The County Council elections are held every four years using the first past the post system. The next elections are scheduled to be held May 2022.
Elections to councils are usually held on the first Thursday in May in any given year. However, Parliament can decide to move the day of local government elections in England.
The organisation of elections is undertaken on the County Council’s behalf by the four district councils in Somerset. If you need more information about the process and timetable for the elections, you should contact the relevant district council for the area you live in.
A detailed timetable (known as the Notice of Election) gives the process for submitting nominations and guidance for candidates will be published around two months before the election by the relevant district council. The Notice of Election gives the relevant dates and deadlines and explains what needs to be done and who to contact. The initial point of contact at district councils is the Democratic Services or Electoral Services Team, acting as the Deputy Returning Officer.
By-elections
A by-election, or casual vacancy, can occur due to the resignation or death of a councillor.
You can view details of the last by-election results using the links on this page or on the relevant district council web pages.
Contact the team
Democratic Services
Somerset County Council,
County Hall,
Taunton,
Somerset,
TA1 4DY
Phone 01823 357628
Email democraticservices@somerset.gov.uk