On Thursday 7 May 2026, residents across the West Midlands will head to the polls. Local elections are your chance to choose the people who make big decisions about your daily life, from the roof over your head to the bins on your street.
At RMC, we want to make sure everyone in our community has the information they need to have their say. Here is our complete guide to the 2026 local elections.
Why should I care about local elections?
While national politics gets the most headlines, local councils run the services you use every day. In the West Midlands, your council is responsible for:
Housing: Social housing, support for the homeless, and landlord regulations.
Education: Local schools and adult learning (like ESOL classes).
Social Care: Support for the elderly and children in care.
Environment: Bin collections, local parks, and fixing potholes.
Community: Decisions on which local charities or advice centers get funding.
By voting, you choose a Councillor, a local representative who can advocate for you if you’re struggling with council services.
Can I vote?
Eligibility in England is based on your nationality and residency. To vote on 7 May, you must be registered at an address in the West Midlands (for West Mids elections) and be 18 or older.
Nationality | Can you vote? |
|---|---|
British & Irish Citizens | Yes |
Commonwealth Citizens | Yes (If you have “leave to remain” or don’t need it). |
EU Citizens (the “EU5”) | Yes (If you are from Poland, Portugal, Spain, Denmark, or Luxembourg). |
Other EU Citizens | Yes (If you lived in the UK before 31 Dec 2020). |
Refugees | Only if from a Commonwealth country. |
Asylum Seekers | No |
How to vote
Step 1 - Register to Vote
If you aren't registered, you can't vote. You only need to do this once unless you move house or change your name.
Register online: gov.uk/register-to-vote
You will need: Your National Insurance number (if you have one).
Step 2 - Check your ID
You now must show a photo ID to vote in person.
Accepted ID: Passport, Driving Licence, BRP (Biometric Residence Permit), or a Blue Badge. See more acceptable ID's
Expired ID: You can still use it if the photo still looks like you.
No ID? Apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate by 5pm on 28 April.
Step 3 - Choose how to vote
There are a number of ways you can vote. In general you’ll be sent a poll card just before an election or referendum telling you when to vote and at which polling station. But you can also vote by post, or proxy
In Person: Go to your local polling station on 7 May between 7am and 10pm.
By Post: Apply by 21 April to have your ballot sent to your home. (No ID required for postal voting!)
By Proxy: Someone you trust votes for you. Apply by 28 April.
Frequently asked questions
My photo ID has my old address on it. Can I still use it?
Yes! As long as the photo looks like you and the name matches the electoral register, the address on the ID doesn’t have to be current.
What if I don't speak English well?
You can bring a friend or family member (aged 18+) to the polling station to help you translate, or you can ask the staff for help. There are also translated guides available in Punjabi, Urdu, Polish, Arabic, and more.
I don't have a fixed address. Can I vote?
Yes. You can register by filling out a “Declaration of Local Connection” form. Contact your local council’s electoral services for help with this.
I am a refugee from a non-Commonwealth country. Can I vote?
Unfortunately, in England, you cannot vote until you become a British Citizen. However, you can still contact your local Councillor for help with housing or other issues!
Summary: The 2026 Local Elections
🗳️ The Event: Local elections take place on Thursday 7 May 2026. You are voting for Councillors who manage your housing, schools, and local services.
✅ Who Can Vote: British, Irish, and Commonwealth citizens with permission to stay. EU citizens can vote if they are from the “EU5” (Poland, Portugal, Spain, Denmark, Luxembourg) or lived here before 2021.
❌ Who Can’t Vote: Asylum seekers and refugees from non-Commonwealth countries cannot vote in England yet.
🆔 Voter ID: You must show a photo ID (like a BRP, passport, or driving licence) to vote in person. If you don’t have one, you can apply for a free “Voter Authority Certificate.”
📅 Key Deadline: You must register to vote by 20 April 2026.
Bottom Line: Your local council makes the decisions that affect your daily life. Make sure you are registered and have your ID ready!
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