Get involved in democracy

Democracy is the process by which the public can shape and take part in decision-making. 

You can get involved in the democratic process by voting in elections, commenting on the work of the council or issues that are important to you.   

Your views and experiences are critical to ensuring the council is meeting the needs of you and your community. 

There are several ways you can follow and get involved in the democratic process in Torfaen:  

• Find out who your local councillor is
• Become a local councillor
• Vote in elections
• Find out when council, cabinet, overview and scrutiny and statutory committee meetings happen and what they will be discussing - Committee Directory
• Read the council’s Executive Forward Plan which sets out key decisions for the coming year
• Watch council meetings in person or online via our webcast service. You can watch meetings online live or later
• Comment on overview and scrutiny committee reports via the Get Involved Torfaen Democracy Hub
• Submit a petition (Protocol for Public Petitions) to Full Council
• Apply to give evidence at planning, licensing and scrutiny committee meetings. Find out how via the Get Involved Torfaen Democracy Hub
• Register with Get Involved Torfaen to be notified of current and future consultations, and to receive updates on previous consultations
• Join the Torfaen People Panel to take part in more in-depth consultations
• Join a local citizen panel