Local council elections 7 May 2026
The last day to apply to register to vote in the local council elections is Monday 20 April 2026.
The deadline for the receipt of new postal vote and postal proxy applications, and for changes to or cancellations of existing postal or proxy votes, is Tuesday 21 April 2026 at 5pm.
The deadline for the receipt of new proxy vote applications is Tuesday 28 April 2026 at 5pm.
Unable to vote in person
If you cannot go to the polling station on election day, you can still vote by:
- postal vote – you get your vote in the post and send it back
- proxy vote – someone you trust votes for you
How to apply
You can apply in 2 ways:
1. Online
2. Paper form
Download, print, and fill in a form and send it to:
Elections Office, Greenford Hall, Ruislip Road, Greenford UB6 9QN.
What you need
When you apply, you will need to give your:
- date of birth
- National Insurance number
- signature on the application form
If you do not have a National Insurance number, you can still apply by showing other ID. Please call 020 8825 7777 or email elections@ealing.gov.uk for more information.
Postal voting
To vote by post you need to apply by 5pm, 11 working days before election day.
Your voting paper will be sent to your home or another address and will be sent around 10 days before polling day.
Postal votes need to be received by the Returning Officer or his staff by 10pm on polling day to be counted.
You can vote by post for one election or for up to 3 years.
Overseas voters
If you live overseas, apply early so your vote arrives in time.
You must consider international postal schedules.
If you apply late, consider appointing a proxy.
Returning your postal vote
- post it back as soon as you can
- do not give it to a candidate or party worker
- you can also take it to Greenford Hall or a polling station on election day
If you choose to hand in the form on polling day, you will need to fill in a form when you hand it in.
Postal votes sent in other ways (like libraries or council offices) will not be counted.
Proxy voting
If you know that you will not be able to get to the polling station on polling day, you can ask someone who is registered and you trust to vote for you. This is called a proxy vote and the person casting your vote is called your proxy.
The person voting for you can either go to your polling station or ask to vote for you by post.
When you fill in the form, you need to say why you cannot go to the polling station.
This could be because you are:
- on holiday
- busy with work
- have a disability that makes it hard to get there
When you apply for a new proxy vote, you must return your application form by 5pm, 6 working days before polling day.
A permanent or long-term proxy vote
If you will not be able to go to the polling station in person for the forseeable future, you will need a permanent or long-term proxy application.
Contact us to apply for this by email elections@ealing.gov.uk or on 020 8825 7777.
Find out more information on proxy voting and emergency proxies