The Electoral Commission has published the timetable for the 2026 Local Elections.
This contains key dates around nominations, voting and postal voting registrations and election expense deadlines.
You can download the full timetable from the Electoral Commission.
Some of the key dates for local council elections are below (please note these are for council elections including town and parish council elections – and not mayoral elections for which certain dates may be different).
Last date Notice of Election can be published: Monday 30 March
Deadline for submitting Nomination Papers: 4pm on Thursday 9 April
Deadline to register to vote: Monday 20 April
Deadline for Postal Vote applications: 5pm on Tuesday 21 April
Deadline for Proxy Vote applications: 5pm on Tuesday 28 April
Voter Authority Certificate application deadline: 5pm on Tuesday 28 April
POLLING DAY: Thursday 7 May
Deadlines for submitting Election Expenses:
Thursday 4 June (for all Town/Parish Council elections)
Thursday 11 June (for results declared on 7 May)
Friday 12 June (for results declared on 8 May)
Monday 15 June (for results declared on 9, 10 or 11 May)
Remember the deadline for emergency replacement of lost or spoilt postal ballot papers is 5pm on Polling Day.
The date postal ballots go in the mail will vary between local councils, so keep in touch with your local authority to get this key information.