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Upcoming elections
Mayoral and Ward Councillor Elections 2026
The next scheduled elections for the Mayor and Ward Councillors for Watford Borough Council will be held on Thursday 7 May 2026.
- Notice of Election - Local Authority Mayoral Election (PDF 107kB)
- Notice of Election - Borough Council Elections (PDF 99kB)
Poll Cards
Poll cards will be delivered from Wednesday 25 March 2026 by Royal Mail.
Your poll card will show:
- Your voting preference
- Where your polling station is (if voting in person)
Some polling stations have changed. If this affects you, it will be clearly shown on your poll card.
Please keep your poll card safe. You do not need it to vote, but bringing it with you will make the process quicker.
Election Notices
Details of the candidates validly nominated will be posted here by 4pm on Friday 10 April.
Key Dates and Deadlines
| Event | Deadline | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Publication of Notice of Election | Wednesday 25 March 2026 | 9am |
| Start of Nominations | Thursday 26 March 2026 | 10am |
| Deadline for receipt of nominations | Thursday 9 April 2026 | 4pm |
| Deadline to register to vote | Monday 20 April 2026 | Midnight |
| Deadline for new postal and postal proxy vote applications or changes | Tuesday 21 April 2026 | 5pm |
| Deadline for Voter Authority Certificate (VAC) applications | Tuesday 28 April 2026 | 5pm |
| Deadline for new proxy vote applications | Tuesday 28 April 2026 | 5pm |
| Polling Day | Thursday 7 May 2026 | 7am-10pm |
| Deadline for emergency proxy applications | Thursday 7 May 2026 | 5pm |
| Count and Result Declaration | Friday 8 May 2026 | When complete |
Register to Vote
You must be on the electoral register to vote. Deadline for residents to register is 12 midnight on Monday 20 April 2026. Applications received after the deadline will still be processed but you will not be eligible to vote at these elections.
Postal Votes
Applications for new, amendments or cancellation of postal votes must be received before the deadline of 5pm on Tuesday 21 April 2026.
More information on postal voting
Proxy Votes
The deadline to appoint a proxy is 5pm on Tuesday 28 April 2026.
More information on proxy votes
Voter ID
To vote at a polling station you will need to bring photo ID. For more information and a full list of accepted ID can be found on the Electoral Commission website.
If you do not have valid photo ID you can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate (VAC). Deadline for applications is 5pm Tuesday 28 April 2026.
View more information on voter ID
Contact details
Watford Borough Council Elections Team
- Email: elections@watford.gov.uk
- Telephone: 01923 278369
For more information about all aspects of an election and voting please visit the Electoral commission website.
