London is set for a political realignment as councils across the capital change hands at the elections on May 7.
Labour’s hold on London is under threat as the Greens look to secure Hackney, while the Conservatives and Reform UK are battling in outer boroughs.
When polls open on Thursday, Londoners will decide who will take control of the 1,817 council seats across the capital’s 32 boroughs.
So, when are the local elections and how can you vote?
When are the London Local Elections 2026?
The London Local Elections are taking place on Thursday May 7.
How do I vote?
To cast your vote in person, you will need to take your photo ID to your local polling station.
Polling stations open between 7am and 10pm
Where is my local polling station?
Those who have registered to vote should have received a polling card which includes the address of your polling station.
Usually, polling stations are set up at public buildings such as schools or local halls and churches.
If not, you can find your nearest polling station here.
What do I need to vote?
You will need to bring a form of photo ID to vote. This can be a passport or driving license, but there are several options.
Full list of accepted ID:
- Passport issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, a British Overseas Territory, an EEA state or a Commonwealth country (including an Irish Passport Card)
- Driving licence issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state (this includes a provisional driving licence)
- A Blue Badge
- Older Person’s Bus Pass funded by the UK Government
- Disabled Person’s Bus Pass funded by the UK Government
- 60+ London Oyster Photocard funded by Transport for London
- Freedom Pass
- Identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (a PASS card)
- Biometric immigration document
- Ministry of Defence Form 90 (Defence Identity Card)
- National identity card issued by an EEA state
- Voter Authority Certificate
- Anonymous Elector’s Document
What are the other ways to vote?
Provided you’re registered, you can vote in person, by post or by proxy.
It is too late to vote by post, but you can take your postal vote to a polling station on election day if you have forgotten.
Voting by proxy requires you to have registered in advance. It means someone else is voting on your behalf.
If you are doing so, you will need to take your ID and a proxy poll card to a polling station.
Voting with a disability
If you have a disability, your electoral registration office can inform you about physical access, low-level polling booths, and any other equipment you might need.
All polling stations are required to provide at least one large print display version of the ballot paper.
