Birmingham will go to the polls on Thursday 7 May 2026, marking a significant moment for the city as all 101 City Council seats are contested across 69 wards.

The elections will determine councillors who will serve a four-year term, shaping local decision-making until May 2030.

Alongside the citywide council elections, residents in Sutton Coldfield will also take part in Town Council elections, while voters in New Frankley will elect parish representatives, making this one of the most comprehensive local election cycles in recent years.

Who can vote

To be eligible to vote in May, individuals must be registered on the electoral roll, be 18 or over on polling day, and hold a qualifying nationality. This includes British, Irish and Commonwealth citizens, as well as certain EU nationals who meet residency requirements.

Voters do not need to re-register for every election, but must update their details if they have moved home or changed their name. Registration is not automatic when signing up for council services or paying council tax, and eligible residents must apply directly.

The deadline to register to vote is Monday 20 April. Applications can be completed online and require a National Insurance number and date of birth for verification.

How and when to vote

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday 7 May. All registered voters will receive a poll card confirming where they can cast their vote or confirming that a postal vote is in place.

Voters are required to bring valid photo ID to the polling station. Accepted forms include a passport, photo driving licence, or certain concessionary travel passes. Those without suitable identification can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate from the elections office.

Postal and proxy voting options

Residents who are unable to attend a polling station can apply to vote by post or by proxy. Postal ballot papers are sent out a few weeks before polling day and can be returned by post or handed in at a polling station. Proxy voting allows a trusted individual to vote on someone else’s behalf, subject to limits on how many people one person can represent.

The deadline to apply for or amend a postal vote is 5pm on Tuesday 21 April, while the deadline for proxy voting applications is 5pm on Tuesday 28 April.

Supporting participation

With turnout and participation a continued priority for Birmingham, organisations, employers and community groups are encouraged to help raise awareness of registration deadlines, voting options and the requirement for photo ID. Support can include sharing information, signposting official guidance, and reminding eligible voters of key dates: [Comunity briefing | PDF]

Birmingham Colmore supports civic participation and informed engagement in the democratic process, recognising the role that local government plays in shaping the city’s future for businesses, workers and communities alike.

Up-to-date information on elections, voting and registration is available via Birmingham City Council’s elections and voting webpages.