District Council elections 2026

On Thursday 7 May 2026, District Council elections are taking place in our area, due to a boundary review all 69 Council seats will be up for election. This means residents will be asked to vote for three candidates to represent their ward. Poll cards will be sent to all registered voters in mid-March.

Postal votes - Key information for the 2026 elections

Postal voting packs are issued in two batches due to the volume. If you are going to be away on Thursday 7 May, it is important that you apply as early as possible so that you can receive your postal vote before you travel.

If you already have a postal vote in place or successfully apply prior to Sunday 29 March, your postal vote will be handed to Royal Mail on or around 18 April 2026.

If you apply for your postal vote between Sunday 29 March and prior to the statutory deadline to apply 5pm Tuesday 21 April, your postal vote will be handed to Royal Mail on or around 25 April.

If you are going away please be aware of the expected despatch dates as a postal vote may not suitable and you should apply to vote by proxy instead.

Photo ID at pollings stations

You will have to show an official form of photo ID when you attend a polling station to vote.

Before the election
Date and time Event
Friday 13 March 2026 Notice of election
Monday 16 March 2026 from 10am First day for delivery of nomination papers
Thursday 9 April 2026, 4pm Last date for delivery of nomination papers
Thursday 9 April 2026, 4pm Last date for candidates to withdraw their nomination paper
Friday 10 April 2026, 4pm Statement of persons nominated
  • Statement of persons nominated 2026
Monday 20 April 2026, 12 midnight Deadline to register to vote
Tuesday 21 April 2026, 5pm Last date for:
  • receipt of applications to vote by post
  • amending a postal vote
  • cancelling a postal vote
Tuesday 28 April 2026, 5pm Last date:
  • for receipt of applications to vote by proxy
  • amending a proxy vote
  • cancelling a proxy vote
  • to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate (VAC)
Tuesday 28 April 2026 Notice of poll
  • Notice of poll 2026
Polling day, Thursday 7 May 2026
Time Event
7am and 10pm Polling stations open
[Please note that Kirklees Council doesn't own or manage Where do I vote? and we are not responsible for the content of external websites.]
5pm Deadline for us to receive emergency proxy applications
5pm Deadline for us to issue replacement postal ballot papers
10.15pm Verification of ballot papers
District Council election results, Friday 8 May 2026
Time Event
9am onwards The election count begins at 9am and results will be published as they are declared
  • District Council election results
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