The residents of Cherwell district will be able to vote for their district councillors in the local elections on Thursday, 7 May 2026.
Published: Monday, 30th March 2026
Cherwell District Council is urging voters to ensure that they have arranged to vote in their preferred way, whether that is in person, postal or proxy vote ahead of the relevant deadlines.
Gordon Stewart, Returning Officer, said: "District elections form a crucial part of local democracy, putting residents’ voices at the forefront of key public services like housing, waste collection and planning. It is a chance to have your say, and we encourage everyone eligible to take their opportunity to vote.
“I’d like to remind voters to bring their photo ID to the polling station in line with the government requirements. A number of forms of ID are accepted, including a driving licence, passport and some bus passes. Those who do not have an eligible form of ID can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate before the deadline of Tuesday, 28 April.
“If you’re not registered to vote, you won’t be able to have your say on polling day. If you’ve recently moved home, turned 18 or changed your name, register to vote by Monday 20 April.”
Residents that are already registered to vote at their current address do not need to re-register.
In May there are scheduled elections to a third of the seats on Cherwell District Council. Two further seats will also be decided following the resignation of district councillors in the Banbury Calthorpe and Easington and Bicester West wards. Additionally, 31 parishes across the district have scheduled elections.
The Returning Officer has published the notice of election, meaning that candidates can now submit their nomination forms. A list of those standing will be published on the council website by 4pm on Friday, 10 April 2026.
Residents looking for alternatives to voting in person can apply for a postal or proxy vote instead. With a proxy vote, electors should choose a trusted person to vote on their behalf. The proxy will vote in the polling station of the elector they represent and must show their own photo ID when voting as a proxy. Applications can be made online at cherwell.gov.uk/elections-2026
Poll cards have already been despatched advising electors which elections are scheduled where they live and where their polling station is.