What’s new at the Local Elections in Walsall

Walsall residents will notice some key changes at this year’s Local Elections taking place on Thursday 7 May 2026.

Emma Bennett, Returning Officer at Walsall Council, said, “With important changes taking place at this year’s Local Elections, I want to encourage every eligible resident to make sure they are registered to vote.

"The introduction of new ward boundaries, changes to some polling station locations, and the ability to vote for up to three candidates mean that 2026 will look a little different for many voters.

"Registering only takes a few minutes, but it ensures you can have your say and take part in shaping the future of your community. If you’ve recently turned 18 or moved home, please check your details today and make sure your voice is heard on 7 May.”
 
This year, all 60 council seats are being contested. This follows a recent review by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England, which has introduced new ward boundaries and, in some cases, new ward names. Every seat must be re-elected at the same time to avoid councillors serving on both old and new boundaries. After this election, Walsall will return to electing by thirds. 
 
New ward names and boundaries came into effect with the publication of the updated Electoral Register in February 2026. Walsall Borough continues to have 20 wards, each represented by three councillors. Many boundaries have changed and a significant number of polling stations have also changed this year.

Residents are encouraged to check their polling card carefully. Polling station details can also be found using the council’s postcode finder.  
 
At this election, electors can vote for up to three candidates on their ballot paper. The candidate with the highest number of votes will serve a four‑year term, the second‑placed candidate a two‑year term, and the third‑placed candidate a one‑year term. This system allows the council to return to its usual electoral cycle.
 
In addition, new accessibility initiatives will be in place across polling stations across the borough, including audio ballot papers, braille devices, and a British Sign Language translation of postal voting instructions and key polling station messages. Existing support such as large‑print reference ballots, magnifiers, additional lighting, tactile voting devices and ‘Here to Help’ badges will also be available.
 
Key dates:

• Deadline to register to vote: midnight on Monday 20 April 2026
• Deadline to apply for a postal vote: 5pm on Tuesday 21 April 2026
• Deadline to apply for a proxy vote: 5pm on Tuesday 28 April 2026
• Deadline to apply for a free photo ID certificate: 5pm on Tuesday 28 April 2026
• Polling Day: 7am to 10pm on Thursday 7 May 2026
• Counting and declarations: Friday 8 May 2026

 
In order to vote at the 2026 Local Elections, residents must be on the electoral register and, if they are voting in a polling station, have a valid form of voter ID. The deadline to register to vote is midnight on Monday 20 April 2026. To register to vote, apply online at gov.uk.
 
Voters must bring an accepted form of photo ID to the polling station. This applies to everyone who votes in person or by proxy. Suitable photographic ID accepted at the polling station includes a UK passport or driving licence. A full list of acceptable identification can be found at: electoralcommission.org.uk.
 
If you do not have any suitable ID, you can apply for a free voter authority certificate. The deadline to do so is 5pm on Tuesday 28 April 2026.
 
If in doubt, residents can check their registration details by giving the Election Office a call on 01922 652502 or emailing electionoffice@walsall.gov.uk.