THE vital vote on whether West Devon should have an elected mayor kicks off today with more than 38,000 ballot papers being sent out to residents.

Poll organisers are urging voters to send back their ballot papers as soon as possible — the poll will be conducted by the Electoral Reform Service.

The ballot paper pack being sent to residents will include clear instructions on how to record a vote, a ballot paper, declaration of identity, and envelope for the completed ballot paper and a reply-paid envelope addressed to the Electoral Reform Service.

Polling day is Thursday, January 31 — but there will be no polling stations. Voters should post their ballot papers to reach the Electoral Reform Service in London by no later than 9pm on January 31.

West Devon is one of just six areas throughout England currently taking part in a referendum on whether to have a directly elected mayor.

In West Devon, campaigning on the issue is gathering steam: borough Conservatives, who are opposed to an elected mayor, are preparing to leaflet major towns and villages. And Liberal Democrat branch members in Tavistock and Okehampton are aiming to deliver 15,000 leaflets calling on residents to vote no to an elected mayor.

But the Liberal Democrats point out that their party has no national policy on the issue and that councillors and branches are free to advocate any solution.

In West Devon, there are differing views between Liberal Democrats on the borough council. While there are those opposed to a directly elected mayor, some, notably group leader Cllr Nicholas Waterhouse and Cllr Noel Cartwright, are campaigning for a yes vote.

Conservatives on the borough council meanwhile are unanimous in opposition to the idea of a directly elected mayor. They favour the alternative of a streamlined committee system.

In this, the second of its special features on the mayoral referendum, the Times asked four West Devon councillors to state the case for or against a directly elected mayor.

Conservative Group leader Cllr Dick Eberlie and Liberal Democrat Cllr David Stapleton are firmly in the 'No' camp while Independent Cllr Pat Warne and Liberal Democrat Cllr Nicholas Waterhouse say why they believe a directly elected mayor will be best for West Devon.