Town ward local by-election 2026

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

Publication of notice of election

Thursday 3 September 2026

This will be available to download on our notices page from Thursday 3 September 2026.

Nominations period commences

Friday 4 September 2026

Nomination papers and requests for nomination registers and absent voters lists, along with guidance for candidates will be available on our Information for Candidates page.

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. These will be available to collect from Thursday 3 September 2026.

Final date for delivery of nomination papers

4pm on Friday 11 September 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 Friday 11 September 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 Friday 11 September 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 Monday 14 September 2026.

This will be available to download on our notices page by 4pm on Monday 14 September 2026.

Last day to register to vote for the local election

Midnight on Tuesday 22 September 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 Wednesday 23 September 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 Wednesday 30 September 2026.

This will be available to download on our notices page on Wednesday 30 September 2026.

Last day to receive voter authority certificate applications

5pm on Wednesday 30 September 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 Wednesday 30 September 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

Thursday 1 October 2026.

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

First day to issue replacement lost postal ballot papers

Friday 2 October 2026.

Polling day

7am to 10pm on Thursday 8 October 2026.

Deadline for emergency proxy vote applications

5pm on Thursday 8 October 2026.

Download an emergency proxy vote application form.

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

5pm on Thursday 8 October 2026.

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

9pm on Thursday 8 October 2026.

Last day for the receipt of election expenses

• Thursday 12 November 2026 (if the declaration of result is made on Thursday 8 October); or 
• Friday 13 November 2026 (if the declaration of result is made on Friday 9 October).