As you may be aware, throughout the year there are opportunities to take part in elections at a local level. Local Elections will be taking place in Birmingham this year. All 101 Councillors who run Birmingham City Council will be elected this May.
The local Elections are coming up, but how can you get involved? Keep reading to find out.
As you may be aware, throughout the year there are opportunities to take part in elections at a local level. Local Elections will be taking place in Birmingham this year. All 101 Councillors who run Birmingham City Council will be elected this May.
Similarly, if you’re not local to Birmingham, you may find that they are taking place in your hometown.
Find out if there will be an election in your local area
Who can register to vote in the local elections?
To register to vote you must be:
- A UK or Irish citizen
- A qualifying Commonwealth Citizen living in the UK
- An EU citizen living in the UK
- Aged 16 or over (but you can’t vote until you’re 18 years old)
Visit the Electoral Commission website to learn more about eligibility.
What are you voting for and why should you vote?
All 101 Birmingham City Councillors are being elected this May. The City Council looks after lots of local services from bin collections, and street lighting, to regulating housing. So, it’s key to have your say over these things.
Explore the candidates campaigning in your local area.
Local elections timeline:
- Register to vote: 20 April, 11:59pm
- Registering for a Postal Vote: 21 April, 5pm
- Registering for a Proxy Vote: 28 April, 5pm
- Voting day: 7 May (polling stations open 7am – 10pm)
Registering to vote:
Regardless of how you will be voting, you’ll first need to register to vote online by 11:59pm on 20 April. But then what?
Voting in-person: Once you’ve registered to vote, you will receive your ballot card and will be able to vote at your local polling station on 7 May. Please note, you will need to bring a form of photo ID, e.g. your passport or provisional / full driver’s license. Please note student ID cards and bus passes won’t be accepted.
Need a form of photo ID? NUS have now teamed up with Citizen Card, meaning students can now get a voter ID card for free. So, we’d suggest that you learn more about the Citizen Card.
Unable to vote in-person?
If you won’t be able to vote in-person on 7 May, you can register for a proxy or postal vote.
Registering for a Proxy vote: This means that you will nominate someone to vote on your behalf on 7 May. To do this you’ll need to register for a proxy vote by 5pm on 28 April.
Registering for a Postal vote: There is also the option to vote via post, you’ll need to register for a postal vote by 5pm on Tuesday 21 April. Just remember, your voting forms will arrive at your registered voting address, so if you’re not going to be there to receive them you may like to consider opting for the proxy vote.
Please note, your forms will need to be with the elections team at your local council by 10pm on polling day to be counted. So ensure you familiarise yourself with completing your postal vote and return it in good time.
This is an opportunity to have your say over the running of your local area. So it’s important to take part.
Key FAQs
Why should I register to vote?
Exercising your democratic right to vote gives you a direct say in the future of the local area. The local City Council is responsible for a number of local services such as road maintenance, waste and recycling and public housing. You get the chance to make your mind up about who best represents your needs in the local council and how services are run.
How can I register to vote?
It’s easy, you can register online using the form provided. You’ll need to provide a few personal details, your National Insurance Number and it will take about five minutes!
To vote in the 2026 local elections you need to be registered by Monday 20 April.
Can I register to vote if I’m an international student?
You are eligible to vote in the local elections if you are one of the following:
- a British citizen
- an Irish citizen
- a Commonwealth citizen who has valid immigration permission for the UK or who does not need it, who is resident in the UK. This includes citizens of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or a British Overseas Territory (see 'Qualifying Commonwealth citizens' on the Electoral Commission website, for a list of Commonwealth countries)
- a former resident of Hong Kong who holds a British National (Overseas) passport, a British Dependent Territories citizen passport, or a British Overseas citizen passport
- a European Union citizen who is resident in the UK
Visit the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website to learn more.
Where should I be registered if I’m living away from home?
As a student you can be registered at both addresses and will also be eligible to vote in the Local Council Elections twice, in Birmingham and at home if they’re taking place at your home address.
Find out more via the Electoral Commission.
When is the election taking place?
On Thursday 7 May 2026.
I’m registered to vote; how do I vote on the day?
You can vote in-person, via post or by appointing a proxy.
If you decide to vote in-person, then you simply go along to your polling station on 7 May. You’ll be sent a card in the post which tells you your polling station and you can view your local station online. Polling stations are open from 7am to 10pm.
I’m not going to be in Birmingham, can I still vote?
Yes! You’ll need to either register for a postal vote or a proxy vote – this is where you appoint a trusted person to vote on your behalf. Please note, you’ll first need to register online by Thursday 20 April and fill out a separate form to register for a postal or proxy vote.
Postal vote: You can register for a postal vote by sending a postal voter form to the local Electoral Registration Office, who will need to receive it by 5pm on 21 April.
Proxy vote: All you’ll need to do is fill out the relevant form on the gov.uk website to apply for a proxy vote. The local Electoral Registration Office will need to receive your form before 5pm on 28 April.
How can I find out more about the candidates?
Candidates standing in your ward will likely be in touch by posting their election literature through your letterbox or by knocking on your door.
Find out more about who’s standing online.
How do I know which local council ward I’m in?
You can visit the Birmingham City Council website to find out. If you live close to the University then you’ll likely either live in the Bournbrook & Selly Park, Weoley & Selly Oak, or Edgbaston ward.
We hope this answers some of your questions. If you’re unsure of anything, please do get in touch via social media to let us know!