Election information - Frequently Asked Questions

• When is the election?

  The election takes place on Thursday 7th May 2026. 

  Polling stations will be open between 7am and 10pm. 

  To find your nearest polling station visit the Where Do I Vote website (opens in new window).

• Who is being elected?

  There will be local elections for Borough Councillors in all Wards in Wokingham borough. 

  If you're not sure what ward you live in find out by visiting the Wokingham Borough Council website find your ward page (opens in new window).

• How do I register to vote?

  You can register to vote here by visiting the Gov.UK webiste register to vote pate (opens in new wnidow). 

  You can also use this page to update your name and address on the electoral roll.

• Can I vote by post?

  Anyone can apply for a postal vote by visiting the Gov.UK website postal vote application page (opens in new window). It can all be done online, but you will need to upload a photo of your handwritten signature. For these local elections, you must apply no later than 5pm 11 working days before the election.

  Note you can drop off your postal vote at the polling station on the day, but there will now be a short form to fill in when you do so. You can get someone else to drop it off for you, but they can only drop off 5 postal vote packs, in attition to their own. 

  You can not give your postal voting pack to a campaigner for a candidate or a political party for them to drop off.

• Can someone vote for me?

  If you are unable to go to the polling station in person, you can apply for someone else to vote on your behalf (a proxy). You must apply by 5pm, at least 6 working days before polling day. You apply by visiting the Gov.UK website proxy vote application page (opens in new window).

  If you miss the deadline for a proxy vote, you might be able to apply for an emergency proxy vote, information can be found at the link above.

• Do I need voter ID?

  You will need photo ID, and only certain types are allowed. The name on the ID must match the name on the electoral register, so if you have changed your surname recently, it's best to make sure you're registed to vote with the same name as your ID.

  Accepted forms of photo ID include:

  • Passport
  • Full or provisional driving licence
  • Blue badge
  • Certain concessionary travel cards, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card
  • Identity card with Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS) mark
  • Biometric Immigration document
  • Defence identity card
  • Certain national identity cards

  Expired ID will also be accepted as long as the photograph on the document still resembles a likeness of the elector. 

  A full list of accepted forms of ID is available on the Electoral Commission website voter ID page (opens in new window), along with more information about the new requirement and how to apply.

• What if I don't have ID?

  If you do not have ID, you can apply for a voter authority certificate until 5pm on Wednesday 24 April. Find out more by visiting the Wokingham Borought Council website voter ID page (opens in new window).

• I'm a student, or spend my time in two different homes, where can I vote?

  The rules about voting depend on the type of election. Find out more by visiting the Electoral Commission website voting and second homes page (opens in new window).

  You might be able to vote at both of your addresses if they are in different council areas, depending on the election. Check the details carefully before doing do.

• Which ward am I in?

  If you're not sure what ward you live in find out by visiting the Wokingham Borough Council website find your ward page (opens in new window).

• Where is my polling station?

  Your poll card will give you this information but you can also find your nearest polling station by visiting the Wokingham Borough Council website where to vote page (opens in new window).

• Where can I see the Liberal Democrat Manifesto?

  We're still finalising our local manifesto and will publish it soon.

• Where can I get more information?

  For more information visit the Wokingham Borough Council website current elections page (opens in new window).

• Do I need my poll card to vote?

  You do not need to take your polling card to the station, but you will need photo ID to vote. There are more details in the voter ID section.

• Will you knock on my door on polling day?

  On polling day, our volunteers will be out knocking on doors to remind people about the election. 

  You might see some of our (or other party's) volunteers outside the polling station asking for a number from your poll card. You do not need to give it, but if you do, we can cross you off our list and then we won't knock on your door to remind you it's election day. A lot of people forget and appreciate the reminder.

  Alternatively you can tell us you have voted by visiting the Liberal Democrats website tell us I've voted page (opens in new window) and filling in the form there.