Are you ready to cast your vote on Thursday 7 May?
With just one week to go, Woking residents are being urged to be ‘ready to vote’ in the West Surrey Council election on Thursday 7 May 2026.
The election will be the first for the new West Surrey Council, giving residents the opportunity to shape how local services are run and how decisions affecting their communities are made.
Voting in person
Residents voting in person will have already received their poll cards through the post, which contains details of their designated polling station.
Please check carefully before heading out to vote in case the polling station has changed. Polling stations are open from 7am until 10pm.
Check your allocated polling station online.
Voters will be able to vote for two candidates on the same ballot paper and should read the instructions carefully before completing it. Don't write anything else on the ballot paper or the vote may not be counted.
Polling station staff will be on hand to assist with any questions and provide support to voters with disabilities to enable them to vote independently or with assistance.
Don’t forget to bring photo ID
When voting in person, registered voters must show an accepted form of photo ID in order to receive their ballot paper.
View the full list of accepted photo ID.
Postal votes
Voters who have opted to vote by post must ensure their postal ballot pack (completed and sealed) is returned as instructed. There is no need to provide photo ID when voting by post.
When handing in postal votes at a polling station or the Civic Offices, electors must complete a form giving their name and address, how many postal votes they are handing in (up to a maximum of five, plus their own), and provide a reason for handing them in for other electors.
Postal votes returned by hand and not accompanied by a completed postal vote return form will be rejected.
Emergency proxy vote
Residents who become unwell shortly before polling day, or on the day itself, don’t need to lose their vote.
Voters can apply for an emergency proxy, where a trusted person votes on their behalf up until 5pm on Thursday 7 May 2026. To apply, please call 01483 743860.
Your vote is yours alone
In any UK election, your vote belongs to you. Whether you vote at a polling station, by post or by proxy, it’s your decision alone.
It is illegal for anyone to influence how you vote or to pressure you into voting against your will. If someone tries to take your vote, or the vote of anyone you know, you can report it to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online.
More information about the West Surrey Council election
Find out more about the West Surrey Council election.
Byfleet Neighbourhood Plan referendum
Alongside the West Surrey Council elections on Thursday 7 May, a local referendum in the Byfleet polling district will be held where electors will be asked whether the Byfleet Neighbourhood Plan should be used to help guide future planning decisions in the Byfleet Neighbourhood Area.
Find out more about the Byfleet Neighbourhood Plan referendum.