Exact polling station opening hours for 2026 local elections

Here is everything you need to know about when polling stations will be open on Thursday, May 7

More than 5,000 council seats are up for grabs across the UK in the 2026 local elections as millions of voters head to the polls. Votes will be taking place for 136 local authorities, while six directly elected mayors will also be elected.

A mix of urban authorities and rural districts will also be holding contests, along with several county councils. Voters across Greater Manchester will also be heading to the polls this year, and a third of councillors will be elected across all ten boroughs.

Click here for the latest on Greater Manchester’s politics in our newsletter

This will also be the largest set of local elections in England for three years, meaning millions will be heading to the polls on election day to cast their vote. If you are looking to head down to the polls on Thursday, May 7, for the local elections, here is everything you need to know about when they will be open.

When are polling stations open for the 2026 local elections?

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday, May 7. As long as you are in the queue by 10pm, you will still be able to vote in the local elections.

Anyone looking to cast a ballot in the elections must remember to bring voter ID with them to the polls in order to be able to vote. UK passports, UK or Northern Ireland photocard driving licenses and blue badges are all accepted forms of photo ID that can be used in the local elections.

The first results for the 2026 local elections are expected to be announced within a few hours of the polls closing. The final result of the elections is expected to be announced on the evening of Saturday, May 9.

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