Local Elections 2026
Local election to be held on 7 May 2026
The next local election is scheduled for Thursday 7 May 2026.
The last local elections were held on Thursday 2 May 2024, and the results are available to view.
Key deadlines
Statutory deadlines for the May 2026 elections, including the date of publication for the Notice of Election, are as shown in the table below.
Dates regarding posting of poll cards and postal votes will be added when they have been confirmed, however if you know you will need to apply for a postal, proxy or postal proxy vote for these elections, we recommend you complete the relevant application form as soon as possible.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Publication of notice of election | No later than Monday 30 March |
| Delivery of nomination papers | From the date stated on the notice of election, up to 4pm on Thursday 9 April |
| Withdrawal of candidates | 4pm on Thursday 9 April |
| Appointment of election agents (District elections only) | 4pm on Thursday 9 April |
| Publication of notice of election agents (District elections only) | To be published alongside Statement of Persons Nominated |
| Publication of statements of persons nominated | No later than 4pm Friday 10 April |
| Last date to register to vote (if not already registered) | 11:59pm Monday 20 April |
| Deadline for new postal vote and postal proxy applications, and changes to existing postal or proxy votes | 5pm on Tuesday 21 April |
| Deadline for new Voter Authority Certificate applications | 5pm on Tuesday 28 April |
| Deadline for new proxy vote applications (not postal proxies or emergency proxies) | 5pm on Tuesday 28 April |
| Publication of notice of poll | No later than Tuesday 28 April |
| Deadline for appointment of polling and counting agents (District elections only) | Wednesday 29 April |
| First day to issue replacement spoilt or lost postal ballot papers | Thursday 30 April |
| Last day to issue replacement spoilt or lost postal ballot papers | 5pm on Thursday 7 May |
| Deadline for emergency proxy vote applications | 5pm on Thursday 7 May |
| Day of poll | 7am-10pm on Thursday 7 May |
| Verification and Count | Friday 8 May |