Leeds City Council has released the key dates and information voters need to know ahead of this year’s local elections.
People across the city will go to the polls on Thursday 7 May to elect 33 councillors, one for each ward in Leeds. Votes will then be counted, with the results due to be announced on Friday 8 May. One of the most important deadlines is for voter registration. Anyone not already registered must do so by midnight on Monday 20 April. This also applies to anyone who has recently moved house and needs to register at a new address. Signing up to vote takes around five minutes and can be done online through the Government website at www.gov.uk
Voters are also being urged to decide how they want to cast their ballot, either in person, by post or by appointing someone they trust to vote on their behalf, known as a proxy vote. Under government rules, postal voters were required to renew their details by the end of January in order to continue using that method. Leeds City Council has contacted those who did not respond in time with guidance on the options available to them.
Anyone who previously voted by post but failed to renew and still wants to do so will need to submit a fresh application. The deadline for postal vote applications is 5pm on Tuesday 21 April. Postal poll cards will be sent to registered postal voters, with ballot packs expected to be issued from around 21 April. Voters using this method are being encouraged to return their completed ballot papers as early as possible to help ease pressure on the system www.leeds.gov.uk
People planning to vote in person will need to show an accepted form of photo ID at the polling station. Polling staff may ask voters to remove face coverings briefly so their identity can be checked. Privacy booths will be available at all polling stations, and voters will be able to choose whether a male or female member of staff carries out the check.
Anyone who does not have suitable identification can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate. Applications must be made by 5pm on Tuesday 28 April. All community hubs and libraries in Leeds will be able to help people complete the form, including taking a photograph if required.
Poll cards for all registered voters in Leeds will begin to be sent out from 27 March. Residents are being asked to check the details carefully when their card arrives and to pay close attention to the location of their polling station, as some venues may have changed.
All voters are advised to read the information sent through to them carefully when it arrives, and Electoral Registration Officer and chief executive of Leeds City Council Ed Whiting said:
“The pre-election period is set to start shortly, and it is very important all those who wish to vote are registered to do so and by their chosen method. All registered voters will be receiving information in the coming weeks and it is essential to please read the documents and guidance thoroughly to ensure everything is correct so you can have your say on the seventh of May.”
Another option is to vote by proxy, allowing someone trusted to cast a ballot on a voter’s behalf. The deadline for proxy vote applications is also 5pm on Tuesday 28 April www.leeds.gov.uk/Elections
Timeline of key dates ahead of Leeds City Council election 2026:
From Friday 27 March: Poll cards posted to all registered electors in Leeds.
Monday 30 March: Official pre-election period begins.
Thursday 9 April: List of candidates standing in this year’s election published.
Monday 20 April: Deadline for registering to vote.
Tuesday 21 April: Postal vote packs start being delivered to voters.
Tuesday 21 April: Deadline for new applications for postal voting.
Tuesday 28 April: Deadline for applications for Voter Authority Certificate (the photo ID to be able to vote in person at a polling station).
Tuesday 28 April: Deadline for applications to vote by proxy.
Thursday 7 May (7am-10pm): Election day.
From 10am on Friday 8 May: Votes counted and results declared.
Anyone needing further help or advice can contact the Leeds elections team on 0113 222 4411 or by emailing electors@leeds.gov.uk
