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- Election Day: Thursday, 7 May, with polls open from 7am to 10pm.
- Photo ID: Mandatory for all in-person voters; expired ID is accepted if the photo is recognizable.
- Seats: 36 councillors will be elected across 33 wards.
- Results: Counting takes place Friday at the John Charles Centre for Sport.
Leeds residents will determine the future of local governance this week as the city prepares for the 2026 council elections. A total of 36 seats are contested, including one representative for each of the 33 wards and additional vacancies in Adel and Wharfedale, Morley North, and Temple Newsam. In these three specific wards, voters will elect both the first and second-placed candidates to fill the available positions.
Photo ID and identity verification
Anyone planning to cast their ballot in person must present a valid form of photo ID. This requirement, a standard feature of the voting process for Leeds residents, will be strictly enforced at all polling stations. Voters can use expired identification documents as long as the photograph remains a true likeness.
To ensure identity verification, polling officials may ask individuals to briefly remove face coverings. Privacy booths are provided at every location to facilitate these checks, and voters have the right to request either a male or female official to verify their identity.
| Election Metric | Data Detail |
|---|---|
| Polling Date | Thursday, 7 May 2026 |
| Total Councillors Elected | 36 |
| Wards with Double Vacancies | Adel & Wharfedale, Morley North, Temple Newsam |
| Count Commencement | Friday, 8 May 2026 |
| Count Location | John Charles Centre for Sport |
Postal voting and replacement ballots
Postal voters who have not yet returned their ballot packs via Royal Mail are advised that they can hand them in personally on election day. These must be delivered to a polling station or the electoral services office at Leeds Civic Hall (LS1 1UR). No other municipal offices are permitted to accept these ballots.
Residents who have misplaced or not received their postal voting pack should contact the elections team immediately. Replacement ballots can be issued until 5pm on Thursday. The council also emphasizes the ‘Your vote is yours alone’ campaign, encouraging anyone facing pressure or electoral fraud to contact Crimestoppers anonymously.
Counting and results schedule
Following the close of polls at 10pm on Thursday, all ballot boxes will be transported to the John Charles Centre for Sport. The verification and counting process will begin the following morning, Friday, 8 May. Official results will be published in real-time on the council’s digital platforms as each ward declaration is confirmed.
“Election day is here on Thursday so we would encourage everyone registered to get involved and have their say,” said Ed Whiting, Returning Officer and chief executive of Leeds City Council. “For everyone intending to vote in person at a polling station please remember to take an accepted form of photo ID with you, as without it you will not be allowed to vote.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is at stake in the 2026 Leeds City Council elections?
These elections determine the local leadership responsible for essential services across Leeds, including social care, waste management, and planning permissions. With 36 seats contested across 33 wards, the results will decide the political balance of the council. This year is particularly significant for residents in Adel and Wharfedale, Morley North, and Temple Newsam, where two seats are available instead of the usual one, providing a double opportunity to influence local representation.
How do I verify my identity at a Leeds polling station if I have privacy concerns?
To vote in person, you must present an accepted form of photo ID, such as a passport or driving license (expired IDs are valid if the photo is still a true likeness). If you wear a face covering for religious or medical reasons, you can request to have your identity checked in a private screening area. Furthermore, you have the legal right to request that a male or female official performs the verification to ensure you feel comfortable during the process.
How does the ‘double vacancy’ rule affect voters in specific Leeds wards?
In most Leeds wards, you will vote for one candidate. However, in Adel & Wharfedale, Morley North, and Temple Newsam, there are two vacancies. On your ballot paper, you will be able to cast votes for two different candidates. The individuals who finish in first and second place will both be elected to represent your ward. This means these specific areas will have a larger-than-usual impact on the final council makeup.
What should I do if I missed the deadline to mail my postal vote?
If you have a completed postal vote but didn’t mail it in time, do not post it on election day as it likely won’t arrive. Instead, you can personally hand-deliver your ballot pack to any polling station in the Leeds City Council area before 10 pm on Thursday, 7 May. Alternatively, you can drop it off at the Civic Hall. If you have lost your ballot, contact the Leeds electoral services team immediately on election morning to arrange a replacement.
When and where will the Leeds election results be declared?
The verification and counting of ballots will take place on Friday, 8 May, at the John Charles Centre for Sport. Results for individual wards are typically announced in stages throughout the day. You can follow live updates on the Leeds City Council website or via local news coverage on beehiveweb.co.uk to see who has been elected to represent your community for the next term.
Source: Leeds City Council
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