Elections 2026

Following the resignation of Councillor Dorothy Walker, there is a vacancy in the Kidlington West District Ward. There are two years left on the Term of Office, which is due to end in May 2028. 

The Returning Officer has received two valid requests calling for an election to fill the vacancy. The by-election will be held on Thursday 16 July.

The Statement of Persons Nominated and Notice of Election Agents names and offices have now been published. 

To be able to vote at this election, you must be:

• Aged 18 or over on the day of the poll; 
• A British, Commonwealth, Irish or Qualifying European citizen; and
• be on the electoral register for the Kidlington West Ward of Cherwell District Council, or have applied to be so by midnight on Tuesday 30 June. 

You do not need to register again to vote in this by-election. If you are unsure about your status on the electoral register, contact the Democratic and Elections team at elections@Cherwell-dc.gov.uk.

Poll cards containing details of the by-election and polling station venues will be posted to all eligible Kidlington West electors. The first batch, for those registered on or before 10 June 2026, will be posted during the w/c 22 June. The second batch for those who registered between the 11 June and the deadline on 30 June will be posted around the 6 July.

Postal votes and proxy votes (where someone votes on your behalf) are available to any Kidlington West resident who is on the electoral register and eligible to vote in this by-election. 

Postal votes are especially useful for those who are unable to get to a polling station on polling day, due to health reasons, being away on holiday or working away. Postal votes will be sent out in two batches. The first batch, for permanent postal voters and those applied before 10 June, will be posted out first class around the 24 June. The second batch for those who applied between the 11 June and the deadline of 5pm on 1 July, will be posted out first class around the 6 July.

All completed postal vote applications must be submitted before 5pm on Wednesday 1 July. Applications for proxy votes must be received by 5pm on Wednesday 8 July.  

Electors who intend to vote in person at a polling station on 16 July must show acceptable photo ID, such as a passport, driving licence, blue badge or certain bus passes. Full details and a list of acceptable photo ID are available on via the 'Ways to Vote' page of this website.

If you do not have suitable photo ID, you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate online via the Government service. Applications must be made by 5pm on Wednesday 8 July. 

Additional information on postal vote handling

Please note, there are restrictions on who can handle postal voting documents. Voters will not be allowed to hand in more than five postal ballot packs, in addition to their own postal vote. 

Anyone handing in postal votes to the polling stations on polling day or at the District Council offices in Castle Quay will be required to complete a postal vote return form. This form is required for all postal votes not posted through Royal Mail. If this form is not completed, your postal vote must be rejected.