Local Council elections 2026

Notice of election

The notice of election was published on Monday 30 March 2026. This marked the official start of the Richmond local elections timetable.

Key dates for voters:

Apply to vote by proxy - the deadline to apply to vote by proxy is 5pm on Tuesday 28 April 2026
Apply for a Voter Authority Certificate - the deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate is 5pm on Tuesday 28 April 2026
Apply to vote by post - the deadline to apply to vote by post was 5pm on Tuesday 21 April 2026
Register to vote - the deadline to register to vote at the elections was midnight on Monday 20 April 2026
Poll cards - official poll cards were dispatched in late March. Details of your designated polling station are printed on your poll card

Postal vote packs were sent first class via Royal Mail.

If your postal vote was already in place or your application was approved by 1 April, your pack was dispatched on 20 April
If your application was approved between 2 and 21 April, your pack was dispatched on 24 April

Key election dates.

Event	Date
Publication of notice of election	Monday 30 March
Poll cards despatched	30 March to 3 April 2026
Deadline for delivery of nominations	4pm, Thursday 9 April 2026
Deadline for withdrawal of candidates	4pm, Thursday 9 April 2026
Deadline for appointment of election agents	4pm, Thursday 9 April 2026
Publication of statements of persons nominated	4pm, Friday 10 April 2026
Last day for receipt of applications to register to vote	Monday 20 April 2026
Despatch of first run of postal votes	Expected: Monday 20 April 2026
Last day to change postal or proxy vote arrangements	5pm, Tuesday 21 April 2026
Second interim election notice	Wednesday 22 April 2026
Last day for receipt of proxy vote applications	5pm, Tuesday 28 April 2026
Last day for receipt of voter authority certificates Applications	5pm Tuesday 28 April 2026
Publication of notice of poll and polling stations	Tuesday 28 April 2026
Publication of final election notice of alteration	Wednesday 29 April 2026
First day to apply for replacement postal ballot papers	Thursday 30 April 2026
Polling day	7am to 10pm, Thursday 7 May 2026
Deadline for receipt of emergency proxy vote applications	5pm, Thursday 7 May 2026
Deadline to apply for replacement postal ballot papers	5pm, Thursday 7 May 2026

Don’t forget you now need to bring photo ID to vote in a polling station.

Find out how we make voting more accessible, and how to request reasonable adjustments.

Your vote is your own. It's illegal for anyone to influence you to vote against your will. Find out about electoral fraud and how to report it.

Read our frequently asked questions about postal votes, polling cards and polling stations.

All official notices for each of the 18 wards in the borough will be published here.

Media organisations must register for accreditation in advance to gain access to the 2026 London Borough of Richmond upon Thames local elections.

Updated: 27 April 2026