Guidance Issued for Postal Voting in Leeds Council Election
April 23, 2026Postal vote packs being sent out ahead of 7 May local election
Postal vote packs are currently being distributed to registered postal voters in Leeds ahead of the local council election on Thursday 7 May 2026. Electors who have applied to vote by post are advised to complete and return their postal votes as soon as possible to ensure their votes are counted.
Returning postal votes
Voters receiving postal vote packs should carefully read the instructions enclosed and return their completed votes using the pre-paid Royal Mail envelope provided. For those unable to post their completed votes, hand delivery is permitted but only at designated locations:
- Polling stations on election day
- Electoral services office at Leeds Civic Hall, LS1 1UR
No other council offices will accept postal votes handed in by voters.
Voter identification requirements
Those planning to vote in person at polling stations on 7 May must present a valid form of photo identification. Accepted forms of ID and details on how to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate can be found on the Leeds City Council website.
Community hubs and libraries across Leeds are available to assist voters in completing applications for voter ID, including taking photographs where needed. The deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate is 5pm on Tuesday 28 April 2026.
Other voting options and deadlines
In addition to postal and in-person voting, residents may apply to vote by proxy. The deadline to submit proxy vote applications is also 5pm on Tuesday 28 April 2026.
Election details and candidate information
The election will fill 36 council seats across Leeds. This includes one councillor for each of the 33 wards, plus additional seats in Adel and Wharfedale, Morley North, and Temple Newsam wards, where two councillors will be elected due to vacancies.
Information on candidates standing in each ward is available on the Leeds City Council website.
Important dates
- 5pm, Tuesday 28 April 2026 – Deadline for Voter Authority Certificate applications
- 5pm, Tuesday 28 April 2026 – Deadline for proxy vote applications
- 7am to 10pm, Thursday 7 May 2026 – Polling day
- From 10am, Friday 8 May 2026 – Vote counting and declaration of results
Additional information
Polling station staff will verify voter identity using accepted photo ID. Voters may be asked to remove face coverings briefly for identification purposes. Privacy booths will be available, and voters can request male or female officials to carry out identity checks.
For any questions or issues relating to the election, voters may contact the Leeds elections team via telephone at 0113 222 4411 or email electors@leeds.gov.uk.
Further guidance on postal voting, voter ID, and proxy voting can be found at:
