Last chance to register to vote in town council elections

Residents wanting to vote in the Bournemouth, Broadstone and Poole town council elections must register before midnight on Monday 20 April 2026 if they have not already done so.

The elections for the new councils will be held on Thursday 7 May.

Voters can apply online at www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/register-to-vote. It takes just five minutes to complete the application.

Aidan Dunn, Returning Officer for the elections, said:

“Don’t lose your chance to have your say at elections in May. These council elections are a chance to vote for local representatives who act as a voice for their community on parish-level matters.

“It’s important that people check they’re ready to vote ahead of the upcoming elections. All voters must be registered, and some may need to apply for a postal vote, proxy vote or free ID.

“If you’ve changed address or moved home since you last registered, it takes just five minutes to update your details online. Checking now helps make sure you can vote in a way that’s right for you.

“Voters will also need to show photo ID at polling stations this May. Anyone who does not have an accepted form of photo ID can apply for free ID online or by submitting a paper form to their local council.

“Make sure you register before midnight on Monday 20 April 2026.”

Once registered, voters have a range of options – they can vote in person, by post or by appointing someone they trust to vote on their behalf, known as a proxy vote.

Voters going to a polling station will need to show photo ID. To find out which ID you can use in the polling station, visit the Electoral Commission website.

Most people already have valid photo ID and will not need to take any action.

If you do not have one of the accepted types of ID, you can apply for free ID at www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate or by completing and submitting a paper form to your local authority.

Clear, trusted information about registering to vote and all your voting options can be found on the Electoral Commission’s website.

Notes to editors

• Town council elections are taking place in Bournemouth, Broadstone and Poole on 7 May 2026
• The deadline to register to vote is midnight on 20 April 
• The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on 21 April
• The deadline to apply for a proxy vote is 5pm on 28 April
• The deadline to apply to use the Voter Authority Certificate is 5pm on 28 April
• HM Armed Forces Veteran Cards can also be used as voter ID.