Published on Wednesday 06 May 2026
With under 24 hours to go until polls open for the Bournemouth, Broadstone and Poole Town Council Election, residents are being asked to get ready to vote.
To vote tomorrow (Thursday 7 May) residents will need to bring an acceptable form of ID with them to the polling station.
Without an acceptable form of ID, residents won’t be able to cast their vote at the polling station.
Accepted forms of ID include a passport, driving license and some bus passes.
A total of 136 polling stations will open their doors to voters on Thursday 7 May. They will be open between 7am and 10pm.
A voter’s polling station is determined by their residential address and can vary from one election to the next.
Registered voters have been sent a poll card in the post, which tells them where to vote, or whether they have a postal or proxy vote in place.
Aidan Dunn, Returning Officer for the elections, said:
“These elections are a chance to vote for local representatives who act as a voice for their community on parish-level matters, and we encourage you to have your say.
“I would like to remind residents to ensure they bring an acceptable form of photo ID with them when attending the polling station tomorrow.
“The ID does not necessarily need to be in date, provided the photograph is a clear likeness of you.
“Please remember to bring your photo ID, as this will help ensure that everyone who wishes to take part is able to have their say in this democratic election.”
Voters can find their polling station at www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/polling-station
A spokesperson for BCP Council added: “We can confirm that Beaufort Community Centre will remain the polling station for the town and parish council elections on 7 May. Those residents with this location listed on their polling card should head there to vote.”
A total of 50 town councillors will be elected to the new authorities at the elections; 21 in both Bournemouth and Poole, and eight in Broadstone.
Residents can find the candidates standing in their ward here: www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/elections-2026
Find the full list of accepted photo IDs here: Accepted forms of photo ID