The District Council election is fast approaching. Here are some key dates that will affect whether you will be able to have your say in who represents you in our area.

You may have read in the news that Cambridge City is trialling flexible voting, with early polling stations open a few days before polling day itself. This is not happening in our area, so you need to vote in person on polling day, or by post, or by proxy on the day.

Make sure you are registered to vote – this does not need renewing regularly, but if you have moved since the last election you will need to get registered.

If you have a postal vote make sure it is still valid as these now expire after a few years. If you applied for your postal vote before 30 January 2024, you will need to re-apply.

Key dates for this election

• Register to vote: 11:59pm on 20 April 2026. Register here
• Apply for a postal vote: 5pm on Tuesday 21 April. How to apply
• Apply for a proxy: 5pm on Tuesday 28 April. How to apply
• Apply for free voter ID: 5pm on Tuesday 28 April. How to apply
• Polling day: Thursday 7 May

You can apply for an emergency proxy after the deadline for choosing a regular proxy has closed. This must be due to something that you weren’t aware of before the normal proxy deadline, such as illness or unexpected work travel. Emergency proxy applications can be made up to 5pm on polling day.

Who can vote?

In local elections, you can vote if you’re a British citizen or an Irish citizen. 

You can also vote if you have permission to enter or stay in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man – or you do not need permission – and you’re a:

• Commonwealth citizen 
• citizen of Denmark, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal or Spain 
• citizen of another EU country, if you have had permission to enter or stay – or not needed permission – since 31 December 2020, and this has continued without a break

Bring your photo ID

Valid photo ID is required at every polling station. There is a list of acceptable forms of photo ID here.

Want to help?

There are many ways to help the Lib Dems with the campaign – such as leaflet delivery, canvassing and clerical work. We are always keen to welcome new volunteers, and it’s a great way to meet like-minded people and make new friends. Click here to find out more