Polling stations across England and Wales are open today, May 7, 2026, from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM for the local council elections. Under the Elections Act 2022, all voters must present a valid form of photo ID to receive their ballot paper. This requirement applies to all local government elections, including those for council seats that will determine local tax rates and service delivery for the 2026/27 period.
Key Election Day Details
- Polling Hours: 07:00 to 22:00. If you are in the queue by 22:00, you will be allowed to vote.
- ID Requirement: Mandatory photo ID is required for all voters at polling stations.
- Emergency Proxies: If you lose your ID or have a medical emergency today, you can apply for an emergency proxy until 5:00 PM.
- Local Impact: These elections decide representation for bin collections, road maintenance, and social care funding.
Accepted Forms of Photo ID
The Electoral Commission confirms that you can use an expired ID as long as the photograph still bears a clear resemblance to you. Below are the most common forms of accepted identification:
| ID Category | Accepted Documents |
|---|---|
| Travel Documents | UK/EEA Passport, UK/EEA Driving Licence (Full or Provisional) |
| Concessionary Passes | Older Person’s Bus Pass, Disabled Person’s Bus Pass, Blue Badge |
| Identity Cards | PASS card (National Proof of Age Standards Scheme), EEA ID card |
What to Do if You Have Lost Your ID Today
The deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate (VAC) for this election has already passed. If you have lost your ID or it was stolen today, you cannot vote in person without it. However, you may be eligible to apply for an emergency proxy vote if you meet specific criteria:
1. Medical Emergency: You have a physical disability or illness that occurred after the proxy deadline.
2. Work Requirements: You have been called away for work unexpectedly.
3. Lost ID: Your ID was lost, stolen, or damaged beyond use after the deadline.
Applications for emergency proxies must reach your local electoral registration office by 5:00 PM today.
How Local Council Results Affect Your Community
While national politics often dominates the headlines, the councillors elected today will hold significant power over local infrastructure and the 2026/27 budget. Key responsibilities include:
* Council Tax Setting: Determining the annual increase for residential properties.
* Infrastructure: Planning permissions and local road maintenance schedules.
* Environmental Services: Frequency of bin collections and management of local recycling centers.
* Social Care: Budget allocation for elderly care and children’s services.
Results are expected to be announced throughout Friday, May 8, as counts proceed overnight across the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the polling station opening times today, and do I really need photo ID to vote?
Polling stations across England and Wales are open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM today, May 7, 2026. Under the Elections Act 2022, you must present an accepted form of photo ID to receive a ballot paper. If you are already in the queue by 10:00 PM, you are legally entitled to cast your vote even if you have not yet reached the front of the line.
What should I do if my ID has expired or I have lost my identification on election day?
You can still use an expired photo ID as long as the photograph remains a clear likeness of you. If you have lost your ID today, you cannot vote in person without it. Your only remaining option is to apply for an emergency proxy vote (where someone else votes for you) but you must submit this application to your local electoral registration office by 5:00 PM today.
How will the outcome of these local council elections affect my daily life and household costs?
These elections determine who controls the local services that affect you most directly. Your elected councillors will set the Council Tax rates for the 2026/27 period and decide how budgets are allocated for bin collections, road maintenance, and social care funding. The representatives chosen today will have the final say on local planning applications and school place allocations in your area.
When will the 2026 election results be declared and where can I find the official winners?
Counting typically begins immediately after polls close at 10:00 PM, with most ward results declared throughout the early hours of Friday, May 8, 2026. You can track the live count and see the official winners for your area by visiting your specific local council’s website or the Electoral Commission results portal.
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