Local government elections 2026

A list of all key dates in the local elections timetable is as follows:

Publication of Notice of Election

Friday 27 March 2026

This will be available to download on Friday 27 March 2026.

Nominations period commences

Monday 30 March 2026

Candidates wishing to stand for election can book an appointment online to request an informal check and submit their nomination papers.

If you would like to collect a nomination pack from our offices, please call 01782 742249 or email electreg@newcastle-staffs.gov.uk.

Final date for delivery of nomination papers

4pm on Thursday 9 April 2026.

Nomination papers must be hand-delivered to the Returning Officer at Castle House, Barracks Road, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 1BL.

Final date for withdrawals of nomination

4pm on Thursday 9 April 2026.

Withdrawal forms must be received in the office by this date and returned to The Returning Officer, Castle House, Barracks Road, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 1BL.

Final date for appointment of election agents

4pm on Thursday 9 April 2026.

If applicable, appointment of election agent forms must be received in the office by this date.

Publication of Statement of Persons Nominated

Not later than 4pm on Friday 10 April 2026.

This will be available to download by  4pm on Friday 10 April 2026.

Last day to register to vote for the local election

Midnight on Monday 20 April 2026.

You can register online to vote.

Last day to register for a postal vote or change or cancel existing postal or postal proxy vote arrangements

5pm on Tuesday 21 April 2026.

You can apply online for a postal vote or download a postal vote application form.

Publication of Notice of Poll and Situation of Polling Stations

Not later than Tuesday 28 April 2026.

This will be available to download by Tuesday 28 April 2026

Last day to receive voter authority certificate applications

5pm on Tuesday 28 April 2026.

If you need eligible ID to vote at a polling station, you can apply for a voter authority certificate online or download an application form.

Last day to receive proxy vote applications

5pm on Tuesday 28 April 2026.

You can apply for a proxy vote application online or download a proxy vote application form.

Last day to appoint polling and counting agents

Wednesday 29 April 2026.

Candidates and agents can email forms over to electreg@newcastle-staffs.gov.uk.

First day to issue replacement lost postal ballot papers

Thursday 30 April 2026.

Polling day

7am to 10pm on Thursday 7 May 2026.  

Deadline for emergency proxy vote applications

5pm on Thursday 7 May 2026.

Download an emergency proxy vote application form.

Last date to issue replacement postal vote packs for spoilt or lost packs

5pm on Thursday 7 May 2026.

Last time to alter register due to clerical error or court appeals

9pm on Thursday 7 May 2026.

Last day for the receipt of election expenses

• Friday 5 June 2026 (parish)

• Friday 12 June 2026 (borough)