Plymouth Plus has been contacted by numerous concerned residents today asking where polling stations are.
No voting is taking place today in Plymouth and here's everything you need to know.
Why no elections today?
Plymouth follows a 'thirds' election system. This means elections happen three years in a row. The fourth year — like 2025 — has no elections. This is called a 'fallow' year.
Changes rejected despite public support
Last year, the council asked residents about switching to all-out elections every four years.
Over 7,000 people responded. A clear majority (57%) supported the change. Only 35% wanted to keep the current system.
The change could have saved £1.4 million over ten years. Despite this public preference and potential savings, councillors voted to keep the current system.
The vote was 32 against change, 16 in favour, with six abstentions and three absences.
Coming in 2027: All-Out Elections
Due to Boundary Commission changes, Plymouth will hold all-out elections in 2027 regardless.
These elections will establish new ward boundaries. Councillors' term lengths will depend on their position in the polls.
Important Referendum: July 17th
While there are no elections today, Plymouth residents will vote in a crucial referendum on July 17th. The ballot paper will ask should Plymouth be run:
· By a leader who is an elected councillor chosen by other elected councillors
· By a mayor who is elected by voters
This referendum could transform how Plymouth selects its leader. The winner would become Plymouth's Directly Elected Mayor.
This would be separate from the ceremonial Lord Mayor role, which would continue.
Why This Matters
Current leader of the council, Tudor Evans leads Plymouth City Council after receiving just 1,390 votes in Ham ward during 2023's local election. Only 0.5% of Plymouth citizens effectively choose their leader.
Angus Forbes of Mayor for Plymouth argues residents deserve direct input in selecting their leader. The current system lacks public accountability.
Looking Forward
A "yes" vote in July could bring historic change. By next year, Plymouth residents could directly elect their leader for the first time.
For now, polling stations remain closed during this fallow year in Plymouth's electoral cycle.
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