Everything you need to know about Sandwell local elections 2026 - from candidates to key dates
Sandwell residents will be taking to the polls for the local elections on May 7 - here is everything you need to know before you cast your vote.
Sandwell residents are set to take to their local polling stations to cast their vote in the local elections on May 7 - with all 72 seats up for grabs across 24 wards.
The election follows a review by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England, which has created new ward boundaries and renamed some wards so every seat needs to be re-elected at the same time to avoid councillors serving on old and new boundaries at the same time.
But before casting your vote there is plenty you need to know - from who your choices are and the key dates involved. Here is everything you need to know:
Who can I vote for?
This year there are 312 candidates standing in Sandwell Council’s local election. Voters are able to choose up to three candidates.
Use our searchable list to find candidates in your area:
Shokat Lal, Electoral Registration Officer for Sandwell Council, said: “Don’t lose your chance to have your say at elections in May. Local Elections are an important opportunity to have your say on who represents you and makes decisions about issues that directly affect day-to-day life here in Sandwell.
“If you’re in doubt about whether you need to register to vote, or have questions about how to apply for a postal or proxy vote, or free ID, go to our website or get in touch with our elections team.”
How long will the elected councillors serve?
The length of time each councillor serves will depend on how many votes they receive. The candidate with the highest number of votes will serve a four-year term, ending in May 2030.
The candidate with the second-highest number of votes will serve a two-year term, ending in May 2028. The candidate with the third-highest number of votes will serve a one-year term, ending in May 2027.
This is because future elections will happen in three of every four years. The next Local Elections will take place in 2027, 2028 and 2030.
When and where, and how can I cast my vote?
The Sandwell local elections in 2026 will take place on May 7 with polling stations open from 7am until 10pm. You must vote within these hours if you are voting in person.
You will vote at your designated polling station, which is usually a nearby school, community centre, or similar venue. The exact location is printed on your poll card, which will be sent to your home before the election.
If you do not know where your nearest polling station is, check your postcode on the council website.
If you vote in person at a polling station, you must take valid photographic ID. If you don’t have a valid form of photographic ID, you can apply for some free photographic ID called a Voter Authority Certificate.
If you are struggling to apply for Voter ID yourself, please call our Voter ID helpline on 0121 569 6999 or pop into Sandwell Council House, Oldbury where staff can help you.
What are the key dates for my local election?
- Distribution of poll cards for electors registered by 17 March 2026: Between 27 and 30 March 2026
- Deadline for those interested in standing as a candidate: 4pm, Thursday 9 April 2026
- Statement of persons nominated published: By 4pm, Friday 10 April 2026
- First issue of postal votes for electors with a postal vote in place by Tuesday 7 April: Monday 20 April 2026
- Deadline for new applicants to register to vote in this election: Monday 20 April 2026
- Deadline for submitting applications to vote by post at the election: 5pm, Tuesday 21 April 2026
- Second issue of poll cards for electors who registered from 17 March to 20 April: Thursday 23 April 2026
- Second issue of postal votes sent out for electors who applied after 7 April and by 5pm on 21 April: Friday 24 April 2026
- Deadline for submitting applications to vote by proxy at the election: 5pm, Tuesday 28 April 2026
- Deadline for submitting applications for a voter authority certificate at the election: 5pm, Tuesday 28 April 2026
- Counting of votes: Friday 8 May 2026
When will we know the results?
The results will be published on the council website after the vote count is completed on May 8.
Where can I find out more information?
To find out more about your local election, visit the Sandwell Council website.
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