Elections
Walsall Council urges residents to check photo ID ahead of May Local Elections
Published on
With the Local Elections fast approaching on Thursday 7 May 2026, Walsall Council is reminding all residents that they must present an accepted form of photo ID to vote at polling stations.
In order to vote in person, residents must show a valid form of voter ID at the polling station. This applies to everyone who votes in person or by proxy. Suitable photographic ID accepted at the polling station includes a UK passport or driving licence or older person’s bus pass. A full list of acceptable identification can be found at https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections/voter-id
If residents do not have any of the accepted forms of ID, they can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate. The deadline to apply for this certificate is 5pm on Tuesday 28 April 2026. Applications can be made online at gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate.
“ Please take a moment now to check that you have an accepted form of photo ID. If you don't, there is still time to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate. Don’t leave it until the last minute. Make sure you are registered and ready so that your vote can be counted on 7 May. “
Residents can also apply for a postal vote or a proxy vote (appointing someone to vote on their behalf). Residents who have registered for a postal vote will normally get their ballot papers between 5 to 10 days before the date of the Local Elections. The deadline to apply for a proxy vote is 5pm on Tuesday 28 April 2026
Key dates:
- Deadline to apply for a proxy vote: 5pm on Tuesday 28 April 2026
- Deadline to apply for free photo ID certificate: 5pm on Tuesday 28 April 2026
- Polling Day: 7am to 10pm on Thursday 7 May 2026.
- Counting and declarations: Friday 8 May 2026.
For more information, please visit the council website at https://go.walsall.gov.uk/your-council/voting-and-elections (opens in new tab)
To view the list of candidates, please visit: https://go.walsall.gov.uk/your-council/voting-and-elections/upcoming-elections-and-legal-notices (opens in new tab).
If in doubt, residents can check their registration details by giving the Election Office a call on 01922 652502 or emailing electionoffice@walsall.gov.uk (opens in new tab)
Please follow the council’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram and X for the latest news and information about this year’s Local Elections.
What’s new at the Local Elections
New names for Wards - A change in ward boundaries, as part of the recent review by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE), means that Walsall Council must hold a Whole Council election (all out election). The new Electoral Register, comprising of the new ward boundaries, was published in February 2026. Find out more on Walsall Council’s Website: https://go.walsall.gov.uk/newsroom/whats-new-2026-local-elections-walsall
New accessibility initiatives in polling stations - New accessibility initiatives for the 2026 Local Elections will be available to help residents with additional needs take part in the Walsall Local Elections on Thursday 7 May 2026, with additional accessibility measures introduced improve access and ensure more residents can vote independently and with confidence.
These include audio ballot papers and a live British Sign Language (BSL) translation of postal voting instructions and key polling station information.
Residents who would like to request specific equipment or discuss their needs ahead of polling day can contact Walsall Council’s Electoral Services team on 01922 652502, or electionoffice@walsall.gov.uk. Find out more online at: https://go.walsall.gov.uk/newsroom/additional-assistance-walsall-voters-2026-local-elections
