Key dates for voters in 2026
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This timetable is for elections taking place across the UK on Thursday 7 May 2026.
These include:
- local government elections
- Scottish Parliament elections
- Senedd Cymru elections
- mayoral elections in England
| Event | Deadline | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Deadline to register to vote | Monday 20 April | You must be registered in order to vote. You can register online. |
| Deadline to submit your application for a postal vote or a postal-proxy vote | 5pm on Tuesday 21 April | Find out where to send your postal or postal-proxy vote application |
| Deadline to submit your application to vote by proxy | 5pm on Tuesday 28 April | |
| Deadline to apply for free voter ID for elections in England | 5pm on Tuesday 28 April | You need ID to vote in person in elections in England. You don't need ID to vote in Scottish Parliament or Senedd elections. |
| Polling day | Thursday 7 May. | Polling stations are open from 7am to 10pm. As long as you are in the queue by 10pm, you will be able to vote. |
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