Get Involved in Voting and Democracy
Use your vote
Voting means you help choose who represents you on your local councils, in Parliament and in Europe. Your representatives make decisions on everything from roads and recycling, to education and climate change. Make sure you are registered to vote. Find out lots of useful information on voting and elections at www.aboutmyvote.co.uk.See also our Elections pages.
Know your councillor
You elect your councillor to represent you. They decide the priorities and objectives the council will pursue, as well as the amount the council spends. Dover District Council has 45 councillors (as well as councillors representing Kent County Council and the local town and parish councils) - make sure you know who yours are. Contact them to discuss any local issues you have. You can also attend council meetings.
Becoming a Councillor
Dover District Council has 45 Councillors elected from the different areas (wards) of the district to look after the interests of the district as a whole and their local community. Being a Councillor means taking part in decisions that shape the future of the district. It can be a demanding job but it is one that will give a variety of unique experiences and opportunities. The council has put together a guide on how to become a councillor.
The Local Government Association has also published a Be a councillor guide. There is additional support available to you if you’re disabled and considering standing for elected office.
Get involved in scrutiny
Cabinet decisions and policies are examined by Overview and Scrutiny Committees (OSCs). They review local services and recommend improvements, playing a critical role in holding the Cabinet and its members to account. The involvement of local residents, community organisations and partners is an important part of the scrutiny process and councillors are committed to responding to the views and concerns of residents. All meetings are open to the public and you can get involved by suggesting topics for review.
Start a petition
Signing a petition is one way for citizens to express their concerns and priorities - find out about how you can submit a petition to the Council.
Contact your MP or MEP
The Dover district is divided into two areas, known as parliamentary constituencies, each of which elects a Member of Parliament (or MP) to represent the people of their constituency in the House of Commons. Find out how to contact your Member of Parliament.
National Government
Find out how you can engage with government directly.