In just a few weeks, people across Penzance and wider Cornwall are getting the chance to vote in the local elections – it’s an important chance to have your voice heard.
The two elections will be instrumental in shaping the policies and initiatives that affect the future of our community over the next four years, both in our own town and the wider county.
From sustainability and transport to education and healthcare (and everything in between), it’s an opportunity to see the issues you care about pushed up the agenda.
Here, we’ve pulled together everything you need to know about getting ready for both the Penzance Town Council and Cornwall Council elections on 1st May 2025.
What are the elections?
Penzance Town Council Election: This is our local parish council, addressing community-specific matters such as parks, public amenities, local events, and support for community groups.
While the seats in the wards of Penzance Promenade, Newlyn & Mousehole and Heamoor & Gulval will be uncontested, the election will take place for the seats in Penzance East on 1st May 2025.
You can find out who has been successful in the uncontested wards, as well as the nominated persons standing in Penzance East, here on the Penzance Town Council website.
Cornwall Council Election: As a unitary authority, Cornwall Council oversees broader services including education, transport, waste management, and social care.
Each electoral division elects one councillor to represent their area. Across Penzance and Newlyn, there are 19 nominated persons standing for the seats, and you can see who is standing in your area on the Cornwall Council website.
As two separate elections, each will have its own ballot paper, and (if you are registered in Penzance East), you will have the opportunity to vote in both.
Registering to vote
This is a biggie – you can’t vote without being registered. It’s important to make sure you’re registered to vote before the big day, otherwise, you’ll be turned away at the polling station.
The chance to register closes at 11:59pm on Friday, 11th April 2025. So, if you’re not already signed up, do it as soon as possible. Registration is straightforward and can be completed online here.
You can also check out our video guide on Instagram, if you’re not sure how to get started.
How the elections work
Both elections use the first-past-the-post system (the same way our government elections do).
To vote, you’ll need to head to your nearest polling station (or someone can go on your behalf, if voting by proxy – more on that, below).
Don’t forget your photo ID if you’re voting in person – including anyone voting by proxy.
Once you have your polling card, you’ll place an ‘X’ next to your chosen candidate, and the candidate with the most votes in each ward or division will be elected.
Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on election day, so, plan your day accordingly to make sure you don’t miss your opportunity.
In the Penzance Council election for the East Ward, you can vote for up to six people (for the six seats available). If there is only one, two or three people you’d like to vote for – that’s fine. You just vote for the people you actually want to be elected to represent you. That then means the vote isn’t watered down and it’s a better reflection of the area’s choice of councillors. And if you know six people on the ballot that you’d like to represent you, that’s fine too! Vote for all six.
Voting by post
It’s not always possible to get to a polling station on polling day, especially if you’re on holiday or working.
Don’t worry, though; you can still apply for a postal vote. The deadline for postal applications is 5pm on Monday, 14th April 2025.
You can apply to vote by post on the government website, here. Once registered, you’ll receive a postal voting pack with instructions on how to complete and return your ballot.
Voting by proxy
If you’re worried about your vote getting lost in the post, you can also appoint someone you trust to vote on your behalf (known as voting by proxy).
If choosing this option, be aware you and your proxy will both need to be registered to vote by the 11th April deadline, and then you must submit your proxy application by 5pm on Wednesday, 23rd April 2025 (you can do that, here).
Make sure your proxy voter knows exactly who you want to vote for, and ensure it’s someone you know for sure can make it to the polling station on the day. Make sure they know to take photo ID, too.
Questions to ask your candidates
No doubt, over the coming weeks to the local elections, you’re going to have candidates knocking on your door in a bid to win your vote. And it can be quite overwhelming to know what to ask, especially if you’re being bombarded with information.
You could make a list of questions you’d like answers to, just in case someone knocks. Here are some examples, based on the questions we’ll be asking our own candidates:
- What is your stance on the climate and ecological emergency?
- Do you support the nature and climate bill?
- If elected, what would you do about air pollution in Penzance?
- How do you plan to help tackle water quality issues in Mounts Bay?
- How can we provide housing for people without building new on vital green spaces?
- The cost of living crisis is only going to get worse with the impact of climate emergency – how will you help the community prepare?
- What will you do to enable Penzance to move to a circular and zero waste economy?
- How will you protect green spaces in and around the town for future generations?
Some candidates will have printed literature for you to read, which will give you a good sense of what they’re standing for. That said, they may not include everything you want to know, so, don’t be afraid to ask.
Why your vote matters
Here at Sustainable PZ, we’re always shouting about how important it is for people living in the local community to have the chance to shape the future they want for their town.
For us, it’s simple: as a community, we have a big opportunity to make significant choices that could lead the way for future generations, and protect services and initiatives that make our daily lives better.
Whether you care about the environment and want to see more green travel, or you’re particularly concerned about building a better social care system, the local elections will give you the chance to choose the representatives that will fight for your values and make change happen.
Plus, the more people who vote, the more our elected councils will truly reflect our values and priorities as a community!
To help you get informed, we brought together as many candidates as possible as part of our two local hustings events, where we gave you the chance to ask those standing up for your area what they really want to do if voted in.
A huge thank you to everyone who came, and made their voices heard!
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