How to vote
To vote in the Birmingham elections on 7 May 2026 you must be on the electoral register.
You can find out how to register to vote and apply for a postal vote or to appoint someone to vote on your behalf, on the Electoral Commission website.
Absent vote
You can apply for a postal vote or appoint someone to vote on your behalf. These are both known as absent votes.
Find out how to apply, key deadlines, and more about absent votes on our register to vote page.
Voting in person
Find your polling station
You can find your polling by entering your postcode on the Democracy Club website.
Your poll card will also tell you where to vote, including if your polling station has changed since the last election. You do not need to take your poll card with you to be able to vote.
Polling station opening times
Polling stations will be open from 7:00am to 10:00pm on 7 May 2026.
What you need to vote
To vote you will need:
- to be on the electoral register - check if you are registered or register to vote
- to have a valid form of photo ID - check the list of accepted forms of photo ID
You do not need your poll card to be able to vote.
What to expect at the polling station
There is a set process for casting your vote. Information will be displayed in the polling station about what you can and cannot do.
You should:
- Give your name and address to polling station staff and show them your valid form of photo ID to collect your ballot paper.
- Go to a polling booth to cast your vote. The ballot paper will show you a list of candidates you can vote for and whether you can vote for one or more candidates.
- Mark your vote by putting a cross (X) next to the candidate (or candidates if you can vote for more than one) you want to vote for. You can use the pencil provided or your own pen or pencil. If the mark is clear and not against too many candidates your vote will be counted.
- Fold your ballot paper and post it into the ballot box as directed by polling station staff.
Polling station staff can advise on accessible ways of voting and answer questions about the process. They cannot help you decide who to vote for.
Spoilt ballot papers
If it is clear who you want to vote for and you have not voted for too many candidates your vote will be counted. For example, if you mark the wrong candidate and clearly cross it out before marking your final choice, your vote will still count.
If you want a new ballot paper you can ask polling station staff. You must return your original ballot paper so it can be cancelled.
Once a ballot paper goes into the ballot box it cannot be retrieved and a new ballot paper cannot be issued.
Page last updated: 24 April 2026
