How to vote in Swindon’s local elections on 7 May

Borough Council and Parish Council elections are taking place in Swindon on Thursday, 7 May 2026.

All 57 Swindon Borough Council seats will be up for election, alongside all parish council seats. It’s the first time since 2012 that every Borough Council seat has been contested at the same time. The results will determine how Swindon Borough Council is run for the next four years.

Following a review by the Local Government Boundary Commission in 2023 to 2025, there are now 25 electoral wards in Swindon. As a result of the review, the boundaries of 24 wards changed and one stayed the same.

There are 10 three-councillor wards, 12 two-councillor wards and three single-councillor wards. View the breakdown of councillors per ward (PDF) along with a boundary map.

For more information about key dates, voting arrangements and what to expect, read about the forthcoming elections.

On this page:

Key deadlines to be aware of

Registration and eligibility

Do I need to register to vote?

If you’ve never voted before, or you’ve changed address or moved home since you last registered, you will need to ensure you are registered to vote.

What is the deadline to register?

You need to register by 11.59pm on 20 April 2026 to vote in the local elections on 7 May 2026.

Who is eligible to vote?

You can vote if you are registered and are a UK, Irish, qualifying Commonwealth citizen, a qualifying EU citizen, or an EU citizen with retained rights, who is aged 18 or over on polling day.

Can I register to vote if I don’t have a fixed address?

If you don’t have a fixed address, you can register using an address where you spend most of your time, an address where you have some connection or by using the address where you were last permanently registered to vote.

When will I receive my polling card?

Polling cards have already started to be delivered to voters who have registered to cast their vote in person at a polling station. Your polling card will tell you where your polling station is, but you don’t need it to vote and it cannot be used as a form of ID.

If you know you’re registered to vote but haven’t received your polling card, you can still go to your polling station on election day and vote as normal.

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Where and when to vote

Where is my polling station?

It will be listed on your polling card. You can also check online using your postcode.

What time are polling stations open?

Polling stations are open from 7.00am until 10.00pm on Thursday, 7 May 2026.

Can I vote at a different polling station?

No, you must attend the one assigned to you.

What if there’s a queue at 10.00pm?

If you are in the queue by 10.00pm on Thursday, 7 May 2026, you will still be able to vote.

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Voter ID

Do I need photo ID to vote in person?

Yes, you must bring an accepted form of photo ID to vote at a polling station.

What types of ID are accepted?

Common examples include a passport, driving licence (including provisional), Blue Badge and PASS card. You can still use your photo ID if it is out of date, as long as the photo is of you. The name on your ID should be the same name you used to register to vote.

What if I don’t have ID?

You can apply for a free voter ID document, known as a Voter Authority Certificate, if you don’t have an accepted form of photo ID.

You can also use one if you are not sure whether your photo ID still looks like you or you are worried about using an existing form of ID for any other reason, such as the use of a gender marker.

The deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate ahead of the 2026 local elections is 5.00pm on Tuesday, 28 April 2026.

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Voting by post

How do I apply for a postal vote?

The quickest and easiest way to apply is online. If you can’t apply online, you can ask for a paper copy of the application form instead. The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5.00pm on Tuesday, 21 April 2026.

When will my ballot be sent?

Postal votes processed by Tuesday, 31 March 2026 will be sent out from Saturday, 18 April 2026. Any applications not processed by Tuesday, 31 March 2026 and made before the deadline of 5.00pm on Tuesday, 21 April 2026 will be mailed to electors from Monday, 27 April 2026.

How do I complete it correctly?

Follow the instructions sent with your postal vote carefully, including signing where instructed.

Where and when do I return it?

Return your postal vote using a Royal Mail post box, making sure it is posted in good time to arrive before the close of polling on election day. Alternatively, you can hand it in at a polling station before polls close.

Postal votes can also be handed in to the reception desk at the Civic Offices in Euclid Street (between 9.00am and 5.00pm, Monday to Friday) by 5.00pm Thursday, 7 May 2026. You’ll need to fill out a form available from reception when handing in your postal vote.

Postal votes cannot be posted into council letter boxes or taken to any other council buildings.

Can I hand my postal vote in at a polling station?

Yes, you can hand your postal vote into any polling station between 7.00am and 10.00pm on election day. You’ll need to fill out a form available from the polling station when handing in your postal vote.

What if it arrives late?

Late postal votes cannot be counted.

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Voting by proxy

What is a proxy vote?

A proxy vote is used when a person is unable to vote and wishes to nominate someone to cast their vote on their behalf.

Who can apply?

Anyone who cannot attend a polling station in person on election day. Someone can be your proxy as long as they are aged 18 or over, a registered elector, eligible to vote in the election and if they are willing to vote on your behalf.

What is the deadline?

The deadline to apply for a proxy vote is 5.00pm on Tuesday, 28 April 2026.

What ID does my proxy need?

They must bring their own valid photo ID, such as a passport or driving licence.

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On the ballot paper

What will the ballot paper look like?

The ballot paper will list all the candidates standing in your ward. Each candidate’s name will be shown alongside their political party (if they have one). You’ll be asked to vote by putting a cross (X) in the box next to the candidate (or candidates) you want to vote for.

The number of votes you can cast will depend on your ward, as some areas will elect more than one councillor. Clear instructions will be printed at the top of the ballot paper and staff at the polling station will be there if you need any help on the day.

How many votes do I have?

This depends on your ward. Some areas elect one councillor, others elect two or three, meaning you may have more than one vote.

How do I mark my ballot paper correctly?

Simply put a cross (X) in the box next to the candidate(s) you wish to vote for.

What happens if I make a mistake?

Don’t worry, just speak to a member of staff at the polling station. If you haven’t already placed your ballot in the box, they can issue you with a replacement.

Can I ask for help in the polling station?

Yes. Staff are there to help and can guide you through the process if you’re unsure what to do.

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Support and accessibility

Are all polling stations accessible?

Polling stations are selected and set up to be as accessible as possible, including step-free access where available. However, access can vary depending on the building.

If you have specific access requirements, it’s best to contact the Electoral Services team in advance to check what facilities are available at your polling station or to request additional support.

What help is available at polling stations?

Polling stations are set up to support all voters. Staff will be on hand to guide you through the process and provide any help you need. You can also bring someone with you to assist, or use your own aids.

There is equipment available to make voting easier, including large print ballot papers, magnifiers and tactile voting devices, as well as step-free access where possible.

If you have any questions about access or need additional support, you can contact the electoral services team in advance. They can advise you on what’s available and help arrange any reasonable adjustments.

Can I bring someone with me to help me vote?

Yes. You can bring someone you trust, or ask a member of staff to assist you.

Are large print or tactile voting aids available?

Yes, and additionally, there will be braille ballot papers and voice vote readers available to allow sight impaired voters to be able to cast their vote in secret. Simply speak to a member of staff on duty at the polling station.

Please note: we have a limited number of voice vote readers and so there may be a 10-minute wait before it is available.

Can assistance be provided in another language?

Polling station staff can offer guidance and will do their best to support you. You’re also welcome to bring someone with you to help translate.

Will there be parking spaces for disabled voters?

Some polling stations have parking available. Where they do, spaces will be reserved for disabled voters where possible. If you have specific access requirements, it’s best to contact the Electoral Services team in advance to check what facilities are available at your polling station or to request additional support.

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If something goes wrong

What should I do if my name isn’t on the register?

Speak to polling station staff straight away. They will check the register and explain your options, but you must be registered in advance to vote.

What if I forget to bring my photo ID?

You won’t be able to vote without it, so it’s important to bring an accepted form of photo ID with you.

Who can I speak to if I need help?

Polling station staff are there to support you throughout, just ask if you’re unsure about anything.

How do I report a problem or concern?

Raise it with polling station staff on the day, or contact the Council directly.

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Election results

When will the local election results be announced?

The count for the Borough Council elections will take place on Friday, 8 May 2026 with the results announced later that day. The count for the Parish Council elections will take place on Saturday, 9 May 2026 and the results announced later that day.

Where can I find the official results?

The official results will be published on our website, with updates shared as the counts take place.

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