Local elections 2026: Important information
On Thursday 7 May, registered voters go to the polls to decide who they would like as their local councillors to represent their community on Camden Council.
The deadlines to register to vote, apply to vote by post or by proxy, or to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate have passed.
Eligibility
You can vote in the local elections if you registered to vote by the deadline (Monday 20 April, 23.59pm), you’re 18 or over on polling day and a British or an Irish citizen, or if you’re a qualifying Commonwealth or EU citizen living in Camden.
Check eligibility to vote in the local elections on the GOV.UK website
Photo ID
If you vote at a polling station, you will need to show original photo ID. You can use expired ID as long as you still look like the photo. Your name on your ID should be the same name you used to register.
Accepted forms of photo ID include:
- Passport
- Driving licence
- Blue Badge
- Oyster 60+ card
- Freedom Pass
- Proof of Age (PASS) card
Check the full list of accepted ID on the GOV.UK website
The elections
About the local elections
The London Borough of Camden is split into 20 areas called wards. Three councillors represent 15 wards, while two councillors represent Camden Square, Camden Town, Frognal, Hampstead Town and Kentish Town North due to size.
You can cast two or three votes depending on the number of councillors representing your ward. Follow the instructions on the top of your ballot paper to vote.
Read the lists of candidates and find your ward at whocanivotefor.co.uk
Polling stations
Polls open between 7am and 10pm on polling day. As long as you are in the polling station queue by 10pm, you will still be allowed to vote. Find your polling station at wheredoivote.co.uk or on your poll card.
Please note that these polling stations have changed:
- The polling station at Acol Bridge Club for the South Hampstead ward has moved to St James' Church Hall, 2 Sherriff Road, NW6 2AP
- The polling station at RADA Studios for the Bloomsbury ward has moved to Chamber (entrance via Pied Bull Yard), 12 Bloomsbury Square, WC1A 2LP
Accessibility
We want to make sure that everyone in Camden can exercise their democratic right to vote. Our polling stations are accessible and there’s a range of support and tools available to help you vote independently.
Find out more about accessible voting
Lost poll card
You do not need your poll card to vote on polling day. As long as you registered to vote by the deadline, your name will be on the electoral register. Simply arrive at your polling station, let the staff know your name and address and show your photo ID.
Dogs in polling stations
Dogs are allowed into many of our polling stations. However, it is at the building owner’s discretion. If there is clear signage in place that states dogs are not allowed, then we ask that you respect these wishes. Guide and assistance dogs are exempt from these rules and are allowed into all polling stations.
Photo policy
We ask that you refrain from taking photos inside polling stations. This is to make sure that you do not break strict laws around the secrecy of the ballot. However, you are welcome to take photos outside our polling stations if you’re excited to share them with friends and family over social media.
Postal vote
The deadline to register to vote by post for these elections has passed. If you have registered to vote by post, your postal vote packs are being sent out.
Postal votes will only be counted if they are returned before 10pm on Thursday 7 May.
Find your nearest Royal Mail post box and collection times on the Royal Mail website
If you are concerned that your postal vote might not arrive in time, you can hand it in in person at any polling station in Camden or Camden Town Hall (Judd Street, WC1H 9JE) until 10pm on Thursday 7 May. You can also hand it in to Camden Town Hall from 9.30am to 5pm on other weekdays in the lead up to the election.
A form will need to be completed if you hand in a postal vote. Please do not put postal votes in any of the council offices letter boxes or they will be rejected.
If you have lost or damaged your postal vote, a replacement can be issued until 5pm on Thursday 7 May. Please email Electoral Services at electoral.services@camden.gov.uk or phone 020 7974 4444.
Proxy vote
The deadline to apply for a proxy vote has passed. There may be certain circumstances where you must attend to an emergency on polling day and cannot vote in person. Under these circumstances, an emergency proxy vote may be available to you. Please contact electoral.services@camden.gov.uk or call 020 974 4444 before 5pm on polling day.
Voter ID FAQs
What if my appearance has changed on my photo ID?
If you look totally different on your ID, we recommend that you apply for a Voter Authority Certificate before the deadline to prevent you from not being able to vote.
Can I use a poll card as ID?
No, it must be an accepted form of photo ID. Check the full list on the GOV.UK website
Can I get a Voter Authority Certificate on the day?
No, applications for Voter Authority Certificates will not be accepted after the deadline – 5pm on Tuesday 28 April.
My name is different on my photo ID to the electoral register – what should I do?
If you are in any doubt about whether your identification will be accepted, please contact electoral.services@camden.gov.uk
What if I lose my Voter Authority Certificate?
We recommend you keep your Voter Authority Certificate as safe as you would any other form of official identification. However, if this happens, please contact electoral.services@camden.gov.uk
Can I use an expired photo ID?
Yes, as long as you still look like the photo and it is an accepted form of ID.
My passport or driving licence show the wrong address, will it be accepted?
Yes, as long as you still look like the photo. The photo ID is to check your identity, not your address.
I would like my identity checked in private, is this possible?
Yes, all polling stations will have procedures in place for voters who wish to have their identity checked in private.
Voter ID resources in accessible formats
View Voter Authority Certificate: an easy read guide on the GOV.UK website