Parish polls 

A poll takes place as a result of a parish or community meeting. The purpose is to find out whether the opinion of the meeting reflects that of the majority of electors in the parish. Polls can be held in respect of a particular question or in relation to an appointment of office. It is important to note that the result is in no way binding on the parish.  

You can find the provisions for parish polls in Schedule 12 of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended). 

Parish poll key facts 

  • either ten electors or one third of electors present and voting at the parish meeting can request a poll 
  • you will not receive a poll card 
  • polling stations will be open from 4pm until 9pm on the day of the poll 
  • there are no postal votes or appointments of proxies 
  • all electors must vote in person at the polling station 
  • you will get a ballot paper at the polling station which has a question on it 
  • you will vote yes or no by marking an ‘x’ in the relevant box 
  • a Parish poll is merely to get the opinion of the parish 
  • the result is not legally binding on the Parish or Town Council 
  • results will be shown, where available, on the Council website, the Brixham Town council website and the Councils notice board 
  • Torbay Council will recharge the Town Council under Section 150 (2 and 7) of the Local Government Act 1972 

Declaration of results 

On Thursday 13 April 2023, a Parish Poll was held in Brixham. The results of the poll are below.

Declaration of Results
Brixham Town Council
Question 1: Do you wish to leave the jurisdiction of Torbay Council?
Answer given on the ballot paper Number of Votes
Yes 259
No 302

Therefore the majority of electors who voted have voted No in response to question 1: Do you wish to leave the jurisdiction of Torbay Council?

Question 2: Do you wish Brixham to join the South Hams District?
Answer given on the ballot paper Number of Votes
Yes 259
No 300

Therefore the majority of electors who voted have voted No in response to question 2: Do you wish Brixham to join the South Hams District?

Rejected ballot papers
The number of ballot papers rejected was as follows: Number of ballot papers
A: want of an official mark 0
B: voting for more answers than voter was entitled to 3
C: writing or mark by which voter could be identified 0
D: being unmarked or wholly void for uncertainty 5
E: rejected in part 0
Total 8
  • Electorate: 13374
  • Ballot Papers Issued: 596
  • Turnout: 4.46%