Your essential guide to having your say at the polls
(Image: PA)
With thousands of council seats up for grabs across England tomorrow (May 7), the 2026 local elections are set to be a major test of the political landscape. Voters in 134 local authorities will head to the polls to decide who manages their essential services, from social care and housing to bin collections and local parks.
If you are planning to cast your ballot, here is everything you need to know to ensure your voice is heard.
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Key Dates and Deadlines
Unfortunately, if you haven’t already registered for this year’s local elections, you won’t be able to vote when the polls open tomorrow.
The deadline to register to vote was 20 April, while the deadline to submit your application for a postal vote or a postal-proxy vote was 21 April.
Polling stations will open to voters at 7am tomorrow, and will remain open until 10pm.
Voter ID Requirement
For the 2026 elections, the requirement to show photo ID remains in effect across England.
When you arrive at your local polling station, you will not be given a ballot paper without a valid form of identification.
- Accepted forms of ID include:
- UK or EEA Passport
- UK Photocard Driving Licence (full or provisional)
- Blue Badge
- Older Person’s Bus Pass
- Voter Authority Certificate (VAC)
Note: You can still use an expired ID as long as the photo remains a good likeness of you.
Ways to Vote
There are three ways to cast your vote, though options are narrowing as we approach election day.
The most popular way is to do so in person by visiting your designated polling station. Your station’s location will be listed on your poll card, which should have arrived by mail.
You do not need your poll card to vote, but you must have your photo ID.
Alternatively, you can vote by post. If you registered for a postal vote, your ballot pack should arrive shortly.
Ensure you return it by 10pm on polling day. If you miss the post, you can hand-deliver it to your local polling station or council office.
You can also vote by proxy if you can’t make it to the polls. This involves appointing someone you trust to vote for you.
The deadline to apply for this was 5pm on 28 April, so if you haven’t already done this you won’t be able to vote this way.
What if there is an Emergency?
If a medical emergency or a work-related conflict arises that prevents you from voting in person, you may be eligible for an emergency proxy vote.
You can apply for this up until 5pm on polling day (7 May).
