Residents across Ealing will head to the polls on Thursday, 7 May, to elect representatives for the borough’s 24 wards. This election marks a critical point for local governance, with 70 councillor seats contested across the region.
📌 Key Highlights
- Polling Day: Thursday, 7 May, from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm.
- Mandatory ID: Valid photo identification is required to receive a ballot paper.
- Ward Structure: 22 wards will elect three councillors each, while two wards will elect two.
- Polling Cards: Sent to all registered addresses; they specify your designated voting location.
Mandatory photo ID and polling station hours
Under national voting regulations, every voter must present an accepted form of photo identification. Passports, driving licences, and certain travel passes are permitted. Residents who do not possess a valid ID can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate through the council’s website before the electoral deadline.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Election Date | Thursday, 7 May 2026 |
| Voting Hours | 07:00 – 22:00 |
| Total Wards | 24 |
| Total Seats | 70 |
| Accepted ID | Passport, Driving Licence, Blue Badge, Older Person’s Bus Pass |
Polling stations are staffed by trained officials who verify identities and manage the ballot process. While bringing a polling card is not a legal requirement, it accelerates the check-in process at the desk.
Ward structure and candidate selection
Ealing is divided into 24 distinct electoral wards. The majority of these areas—22 in total—are represented by three councillors. The remaining two wards operate with two representatives. This structure ensures proportional representation based on the borough’s population density. Candidates standing for election are listed on the official Statement of Persons Nominated, which is accessible via the council’s democratic services portal.
Accessibility and support at the polls
Specific measures are in place to ensure the democratic process is accessible to all Ealing residents. Every polling station in Ealing is equipped with wheelchair ramps and low-level voting booths. For voters with visual impairments, large-print ballot papers and tactile voting devices are available upon request. Staff are authorized to provide neutral assistance to any voter who requires help navigating the station or understanding the casting process.
For those unable to attend in person, postal ballot packs must be completed and returned according to the enclosed instructions. If a postal vote has not been mailed in time, it can be hand-delivered to any polling station within the borough before the 10:00 pm deadline on election day.
Source: Ealing Council
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