Voters across Oxford City, Cherwell and West Oxfordshire are being reminded that local elections will take place this Thursday, 07 May, with polling stations open from 7.00am to 10.00pm.
Residents who are already registered will be able to cast their vote at their allocated polling station, which is shown on their poll card. While poll cards have been issued to all registered voters, they are not required in order to vote.
Anyone who has misplaced theirs can still vote and can check their polling station details via their local council’s website.
Polling stations will be located in community venues such as schools, halls and council buildings, and voters must attend the specific station assigned to their address.
Photo ID required to vote
Electors will need to present an accepted form of photo identification in order to receive a ballot paper. Accepted forms include passports, driving licences, and certain concessionary travel passes. Those without a valid ID will not be able to vote in person, as the deadline to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate has now passed.
Voting options
Voters who have already arranged postal or proxy voting will have their ballots processed according to their chosen method. Postal votes should be returned in time for counting, while proxy voters will need to attend polling stations with their own photo ID on behalf of those they represent.
Accessibility and support
Councils continue to encourage anyone who may need assistance at polling stations to seek advice in advance, where possible. Support is available for voters with disabilities, including accessible polling stations and equipment to help ensure a private and independent vote.
A reminder from returning officers
Local election officials are encouraging all eligible voters to take part and ensure they are prepared ahead of polling day.
Caroline Green, Returning Officer for Oxford City Council, has reminded voters that they must attend their designated polling station, which is shown on their poll card. While poll cards are helpful, they are not essential, and voters who have misplaced theirs can still vote and check their allocated station online.
Polling stations will be open from 7.00am to 10.00pm on polling day, and voters are reminded to bring an accepted form of photo ID to be issued with a ballot paper.
Gordon Stewart, Returning Officer for Cherwell District Council, has echoed the importance of participation, highlighting that district elections play a key role in local democracy and urging voters to ensure they are properly prepared ahead of polling day.
Giles Hughes, Returning Officer for West Oxfordshire District Council, has also reinforced the requirement for photo identification at polling stations, stressing that voters will not be issued with a ballot paper without valid ID. He encouraged residents to familiarise themselves in advance with the types of identification that are accepted.
No elections in South Oxfordshire or Vale of White Horse
Residents in the South Oxfordshire District Council and Vale of White Horse District Council are reminded that there are no local elections taking place on Thursday, 07 May.
The next major elections in both districts are scheduled for Thursday, 06 May 2027, subject to any changes resulting from local government re-organisation.
A by-election is, however, due to take place for Faringdon Town Council on 21 May 2026, with full details available via the Vale of White Horse District Council’s by-elections and casual vacancies information page.
