Top News

The UK Government has released a list of 'key dates' that people throughout the country 'need to be aware of' for a crucial reason. The official Gov.uk website is routinely updated with everything British citizens need to know, including across its social media channels.

In a fresh alert on X, the official account shared several dates and times that people should bear in mind if they are affected. Sharing the update today, April 15, Gov.uk said: "Here are some key dates to be aware of if you'd like to vote in the upcoming May elections."

It then lists various dates to keep in mind for the upcoming local elections. "Deadline to register to vote - 11.59pm on Monday 20 April. You can register online or by paper form," it adds.

"Deadline to apply for a postal vote - 5pm on Tuesday 21 April. Deadline to apply for a proxy vote - 5pm on Tuesday 28 April. Deadline to apply for free voter ID for elections in England - 5pm on Tuesday 28 April."

British residents need only register once unless their personal details have changed. Nevertheless, millions are eligible to take part in the various local and devolved elections being held on Thursday, 7 May, 2026, reports the Mirror.

You only need to take action if:

• You have never registered before.
• You have recently moved house.
• You have changed your name or nationality.
• You have recently turned 18 (or 16 in Scotland and Wales).

You normally only need to register once - not for every election. You'll need to register again if you've changed your name, address or nationality. It usually takes about five minutes. You'll be asked for your National Insurance number (but you can still register if you do not have one). You can register to vote up to two years before you reach voting age - check the rules around voting in the UK.

A statement on Gov.uk stresses: "If you are voting in person at a polling station in England, you must show an accepted form of photo ID. If you do not have one, you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate by 28 April. Photo ID is currently not required for Scottish Parliament or Senedd elections."

The local elections in May 2026 are designed to select local and regional leaders who will manage public services such as social care, rubbish collection, planning, and transport. Even though these elections occur on the same day as the national elections in Scotland and Wales, the term "local" specifically refers to the council and mayoral elections in England.

The May 2026 elections encompass a broad range of local and national seats. In England, over 5,000 council seats are contested across 136 local authorities, including all 32 London boroughs and five directly elected mayors. In London alone, more than six million people are eligible to vote.

In Wales, elections are for the Senedd Cymru (Welsh Parliament), which is expanding to 96 members. In Scotland, elections are for the Scottish Parliament.