The High Court ruled by-elections had to take place in Exeter and Norwich Polling stations have opened in Exeter – bringing the city’s bid for unitary status to an end.
Residents will elect 13 councillors to bring the city council back to its full complement of 40 councillors.
The by-elections are being held after the High Court upheld a decision by the new government not to allow the Devon city unitary status.
Polls will close at 2200 BST. The city of Norwich is also holding elections for the same reason.
Exeter and Norwich were granted unitary status by the previous Labour administration in February, but the Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition revoked the decision.
The High Court ruled the by-elections must take place to maintain legality.
Currently in Exeter, no single party has overall control.
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