A notice of referendum has today been published, confirming that the referendum on how Plymouth will be governed in the future will be held on Thursday 17 July.
At the referendum, those on the electoral register will be asked to have their say whether Plymouth City Council’s governance model should be changed from a Leader model to a Directly Elected Mayor.
This process is separate – and not related to – the ongoing discussions about Plymouth potentially joining a combined regional authority that could be led by an elected Strategic Mayor.
There are a number of ways to cast your vote. You can vote in person at a polling station, by post, or by appointing someone you trust to vote on your behalf, which is known as a proxy vote.
Registering to vote is quick and easy, it only takes five minutes and can be done online. Once registered you will be placed onto the electoral register. However, you will need to register again if you’ve changed your name, address or nationality.
Once registered, you can request for a postal vote application online. Having a postal vote means that a postal ballot pack containing your ballot paper will be sent to your home, so you can vote via post, avoiding the need to go to a polling station. If you’re unable to vote in person you can apply for a proxy vote and ask someone to vote on your behalf.
All registered voters in Plymouth will also need to show an eligible photographic ID to vote in person at a polling station.
Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a full or provisional UK, EEA or Commonwealth drivers’ licence; some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass and a blue badge.
Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID can apply for free Voter Authority Certificate online or by completing a paper form which is available from the Council.
It is anticipated that the deadlines will be:
- Deadline to register to vote: 1 July 2025
- Deadline to apply or change a postal vote: 5pm on 2 July 2025
- Deadline to apply for Voter ID certificate: 5pm on 9 July 2025
- Deadline to apply for a proxy vote: 5pm on 9 July 2025
It is important to note that this is a totally separate process to work already underway to establish a strategic combined authority with directly elected mayor for the region.
For more information about registering to vote or applying for a postal vote or voter ID see our register to vote page.
Referendum on how Plymouth City Council is run | PLYMOUTH.GOV.UK