Millions of voters across England and Wales are heading to the polls today, Thursday, May 7, 2026, to elect local council representatives. Polling stations are officially open from 07:00 to 22:00. Under the Elections Act 2022, all voters must present a valid form of photo identification to receive a ballot paper.
Key Election Day Logistics
- Polling Hours: 07:00 AM – 10:00 PM (If you are in the queue by 10 PM, you must be allowed to vote).
- Location: Your specific polling station is listed on your poll card. You do not need the card to vote, but you must visit the correct station.
- Voter ID: Mandatory photo ID is required for all voters at polling stations.
Accepted Forms of Photo ID
| ID Category | Accepted Documents |
|---|---|
| Travel | UK or EEA Passport, Irish Passport Card |
| Driving | UK or EEA Driving Licence (including provisional) |
| Concessionary | Older Person’s Bus Pass, Blue Badge, Disabled Person’s Bus Pass |
| Other | Voter Authority Certificate (VAC), Identity Card with PASS mark |
Note: Expired photo ID is acceptable as long as the photograph remains a true likeness of the voter.
What to do if you have lost your ID today
The deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate for this election cycle has passed. If you have lost your ID, had it stolen, or it has been destroyed today, you cannot apply for a new one in time for this vote.
However, you may be eligible for an emergency proxy vote if your ID is lost or stolen after the application deadline. Applications for emergency proxies must be submitted to your local electoral registration office by 17:00 today. This also applies to medical emergencies or work-related requirements that arose after the standard proxy deadline.
Why these elections matter for local services
The councillors elected today will be responsible for setting local policy and budgets for the 2026/27 period. Their decisions directly impact:
- Council Tax Rates: Setting the annual percentage increase for residential properties.
- Waste Management: Frequency and efficiency of bin collections and recycling services.
- Infrastructure: Maintenance of local roads, filling of potholes, and street lighting.
- Social Care: Funding for adult social care and children’s services within the borough.
Electoral Commission Oversight
The Electoral Commission is monitoring polling stations to ensure compliance with the Elections Act 2022. If you are turned away for not having ID, you are encouraged to return later in the day with a valid document. Data on the number of voters turned away due to ID requirements will be published in the months following the election to assess the impact on democratic participation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is showing a photo ID now a requirement for voting in the 2026 UK local elections?
Under the Elections Act 2022, showing a valid photo ID is a legal requirement designed to prevent ‘personation’ (identity theft at polling stations). This mandate applies to all local elections in England and Wales. The goal is to ensure the integrity of the ballot, meaning you will not be issued a paper ballot unless your identity is verified by polling staff using an accepted document.
What should I do if I lose my ID today or forget it when I reach the polling station?
If you simply forget your ID, you can return home and come back to the station any time before 22:00. However, if your ID is lost, stolen, or damaged today, you should apply for an emergency proxy vote. This allows a trusted person to vote on your behalf. You must contact your local electoral registration office and submit the application by 17:00 today. Do not wait until you arrive at the station to address a lost ID, as staff cannot waive the requirement.
How do these local council elections directly impact my household budget and community services?
The councillors elected today will determine your Council Tax rates for the 2026/27 financial year. Their decisions directly control the ‘bread and butter’ services you use daily: the frequency of bin collections, the repair of potholes on local roads, and the funding levels for local schools, libraries, and social care. Essentially, today’s vote decides who manages the infrastructure and safety of your immediate neighborhood.
When will the 2026 election results be announced and where can I find the winners?
Counting begins immediately after polls close at 22:00 tonight. While some ‘fast-count’ councils will declare winners in the early hours of Friday morning, the majority of results are expected throughout the day on Friday, May 8, 2026. You can find the official tallies on your local council’s website or via the beehiveweb.co.uk live results tracker. Remember: if you are still in the queue at 10 PM tonight, stay in line—the law dictates you must be allowed to vote.
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