How you can get involved in local democracy and have your voice heard.
Register to vote
You can vote in all elections if your name's on the Register of Electors.
It takes about 5 minutes to register to vote online.
Ask a public question or make a statement at a council meeting
If you have a question, statement or petition in relation to an item on an agenda for a council meeting, email democratic.services@bristol.gov.uk
You can find information on all council meetings and agendas.
For an explanation of the different council meetings and what they're for, see our pdf Have your say guide (431 KB) .
You can attend committee meetings, such as:
- Full Council
- Cabinet
- Development Control (planning meetings)
Or watch the meetings on YouTube.
Consultations and petitions
Find out how to have your say through consultations and petitions.
You can use Ask Bristol to:
- share ideas
- discuss important topics
- provide feedback on policy and planning
- contribute to the future of the city
Start or sign an online petition and read the pdf Bristol City Council Petition Scheme guide (109 KB) , which describes the arrangements for submitting petitions to the council.
Bristol City Youth Council and Youth Mayors
Find out who the Bristol City Youth Council are, and what they do.
Raise an issue with a councillor
All Elected Members can be contacted directly about local issues in your ward.
Find out who your local councillor is.
Be a councillor
We will promote future events related to local democracy on this page, or if you would like to join our mailing list, email democratic.engagement@bristol.gov.uk
Find more information on standing to be a councillor and what it involves to:
Get involved in your community
You can:
- find out what's happening in your community and how you can get involved
- meet others in your community and get involved with decision making in your area
- find out how funding is given to local projects from the Community Infrastructure Levy and Section 106 agreements
- find out about volunteering opportunities in Bristol
School Admission Appeals Panel
We're looking for panel members to support the Bristol City Council's School Admission Appeals Panel.
The role provides parents, guardians and carers of school-age children with an opportunity to appeal against a decision to refuse admission to their preferred school.
For more information, email school.appeals@bristol.gov.uk