Councillors, democracy and elections

Your councils are made up of between 24 and 48 councillors from different political parties.

Find out when the next local and national elections are going to take place. Also see details of how to vote and apply to be on the electoral register.

Details of Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) serving Dorset. Includes the Lord-Lieutenant and High Sheriff of Dorset.

If you wish to raise an issue or concern or have your views heard on a council matter then you may wish to setup and submit a petition.

County, district and borough councils in Dorset work in partnership with each other and with a number of local, regional and national agencies and organisations.

Each council has its own constitution which sets out how decisions should be made and the procedures that are to be followed to ensure these are efficient, transparent and accountable to local people. Some of these processes are required by law, others are for the individual council to choose. These constitutions are regularly reviewed and updated.

Information about citizenship ceremonies in Dorset.

In every community there are unsung heroes who work tirelessly for others for little or no reward.

In borough councils, the councillors choose a Mayor to act as presiding officer and to perform civic ceremonial duties.