Richmond.gov.uk
My Account
  1. Home
  2. The Council
  3. Elections, voting and registration
  4. Elections and referendums

Local Council elections 2026

On this page

London Borough of Richmond elections will take place on Thursday 7 May 2026. All 54 seats of the Council will be up for election across all 18 local government wards.

You can read the Electoral Commission's Guide to Elections for an overview of how to register and vote at these elections.

Notice of election

The notice of election was published on Monday 30 March 2026. This marks the official start of the Richmond local elections timetable.

Important election dates

Key dates for voters:

  • Register to vote - the deadline to register to vote at the elections is midnight on Monday 20 April 2026. You can register to vote online in less than 5 minutes on the GOV.UK website. You will need to have your National Insurance number to hand
  • Apply to vote by post - the deadline to apply to vote by post is 5pm on Tuesday 21 April 2026
  • Poll cards - official poll cards will be delivered to all registered electors from Monday 30 March 2026. Details of your designated polling station will be printed on your poll card

Election timetable

Key election dates.

Event Date
Publication of notice of election Monday 30 March
Poll cards despatched 30 March to 3 April 2026
Deadline for delivery of nominations 4pm, Thursday 9 April 2026
Deadline for withdrawal of candidates 4pm, Thursday 9 April 2026
Deadline for appointment of election agents 4pm, Thursday 9 April 2026
Publication of statements of persons nominated 4pm, Friday 10 April 2026
Last day for receipt of applications to register to vote Monday 20 April 2026
Despatch of first run of postal votes Expected: Monday 20 April 2026
Last day to change postal or proxy vote arrangements 5pm, Tuesday 21 April 2026
Second interim election notice Wednesday 22 April 2026
Last day for receipt of proxy vote applications 5pm, Tuesday 28 April 2026
Last day for receipt of voter authority certificates Applications 5pm Tuesday 28 April 2026
Publication of notice of poll and polling stations Tuesday 28 April 2026
Publication of final election notice of alteration Wednesday 29 April 2026
First day to apply for replacement postal ballot papers Thursday 30 April 2026
Polling day 7am to 10pm, Thursday 7 May 2026
Deadline for receipt of emergency proxy vote applications 5pm, Thursday 7 May 2026
Deadline to apply for replacement postal ballot papers 5pm, Thursday 7 May 2026

ID for voting in person

Don’t forget you now need to bring photo ID to vote in a polling station.

Official notices

All official notices for each of the 18 wards in the borough will be published here.

Media attendance

Media organisations must register for accreditation in advance to gain access to the 2026 London Borough of Richmond upon Thames local elections.

Up to: Elections and referendums

Updated: 13 April 2026