Islington Local Elections 2026: all the info you need

Local elections decide who represents communities and makes decisions on vital local services. Voting ensures that your voice counts and helps shape Islington’s future. 

Votes will be counted on the Friday, and we’ll share the results on our website and social media channels.  

Read more: Local council elections 2026 | Islington Council 

To vote in May’s local elections, residents must be registered to vote by Monday 20 April. Registration is quick and straightforward, and only those on the electoral register can vote in person, by post or by proxy.  

Who can vote 

You can vote in Islington’s local elections if you: 

• are 18 or over on polling day 

• are a British, Irish, Commonwealth or qualifying EU citizen, or an EU citizen with retained rights 

• live in Islington most of the time 

• are registered by Monday 20 April 

If you’re unsure whether you’re registered, you can check online or contact the council’s electoral services team: electoral.services@islington.gov.uk  

How to vote 

There are three ways to vote in the local elections: 

• In person on Thursday 7 May, between 7am and 10pm 

• By post, if you apply by 5pm on Tuesday 21 April 

• By proxy, by asking someone you trust to vote for you, if you apply by 5pm on Tuesday 28 April 

Anyone voting in person must bring accepted photo ID. This is a legal requirement for elections in England.  

See the current list of accepted photo ID that you can use to vote. 

Voter ID – act now 

If you do not have an accepted form of photo ID, you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate. Applications must be submitted by 5pm on Tuesday 28 April, but residents are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.  

Without photo ID, you will not be able to vote in person. However, you can still choose to vote by post or proxy if you prefer.  

How to vote in person 

Everyone who is registered to vote will receive a polling card telling them where to vote. 

On May 7, visit the polling station listed on your polling card between 7am and 10pm. You must arrive at the correct polling station, and you must be inside the polling station or in the queue by 10pm to receive a ballot paper. 

Polling staff will ask for your name and address and check that you are on the electoral register. You do not need to bring your polling card, but you must show an accepted form of photo ID. If you wear a face covering, staff may ask to check your ID privately and respectfully. 

You will be given a ballot paper for the ward you live in. Take this into a polling booth, follow the instructions carefully, and mark your vote by placing an X next to your chosen candidate/s. You have up to three votes. Once completed, fold your ballot paper and place it in the ballot box. 

If you make a mistake, do not put the paper in the ballot box. Tell a member of polling staff, who will issue you with a replacement. 

Polling staff are on hand all day to help if you have any questions. 

We’re ensuring our polling stations are as accessible as possible, and adjustments can be made to enable you to vote if you have any disabilities. To learn more, get in touch with our electoral services team about your needs, visit our website: Accessible voting | Islington Council 

Make sure your voice is heard! 

Residents can find full details on registering to vote, voter ID, polling stations and key deadlines on the council’s website: Voting and elections | Islington Council