If you are a student in Newcastle, it is very important that you register yourself to vote in the local elections scheduled to take place on Thursday 7 May 2026.
Voting has many benefits, including seeing active change in our city, choosing the priorities that matter most to you and playing a role in shaping a better future.
Although it can feel like you are just one voter, your voice, combined with thousands of others, has the power to create real change.
Step 1: Check if you can vote
If you live in England or Northern Ireland:
- You must be aged 16 or over to register.
- You can register to vote if you’re a British citizen or an Irish citizen.
- You can also register if you have permission (or do not need permission) to enter or stay in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man and you’re:
- a Commonwealth citizen (including citizens of Cyprus and Malta)
- a citizen of Denmark, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal or Spain
- a citizen of another EU country, who on or before 31 December 2020 had permission to enter or stay (or did not need permission) and this has continued without a break
Find out more about eligibility
Step 2: Register to vote by Monday 20 April 2026
If you meet the criteria, register to vote via the GOV.UK website. It usually takes around five minutes.
- You normally only need to register once, unless you change your name, address or nationality.
- If you split your time between two homes (for example, a home address and a term time address), you may be able to register at both — but you can only vote once in the same election.
- Once an election is taking place, you’ll be sent a poll card shortly before polling day telling you where and when to vote.
If voting in person will be difficult or inaccessible, you can:
Step 3: Have your photo ID ready
You need to show photo ID to vote at polling stations in England, eg a passport or a UK photocard driving license. Visit the GOV.UK website to see the accepted forms of photo ID.
If you do not have any of the accepted forms of photo ID, you can still vote by registering for a free Voter Authority Certificate. The deadline for this is 17:00, Tuesday 28 April 2026.
Step 4: GO VOTE!
The local elections in Newcastle are scheduled for Thursday 7 May 2026. Polling stations are open from 07:00 to 22:00 — and don’t forget your photo ID!
