Elections for town councils in Bournemouth, Poole and Broadstone will be taking place in May.
In October, BCP Council voted on approving recommendations for new town councils following a community governance review.
Bournemouth Town Council passed with the closest margin of 34-31 with two councillors abstaining, Broadstone and Poole both passed with 36-24 with seven councillors abstaining.
Councillors voted against delaying establishing the new town councils to 2027 in a vote 32-35.
Here is everything you need to know ahead of election day.
How do I find out who is standing?
There will be 21 councillors elected to Bournemouth and Poole Town Council and eight councillors elected to Broadstone Town Council.
A full list of candidates standing in each ward has been published, each parties election manifesto has also been published.
Read more
- Candidates standing for election to two councils at once
- What to know about town councils – your questions answered
- Can town council decisions be reversed? your questions answered
When and where can you vote?
The elections will take place on Thursday, May 7, 2026.
Residents will be able to vote at polling stations between 7am and 10pm.
Residents should check their polling cards to see which polling station they will be able to cast their vote at. You can only vote at the polling station location on your card.
Who can vote?
Only residents over 18 who are a British or Irish Citizen, living in Bournemouth, Poole or Broadstone who are registered to vote will be able to vote.
Will I need photo ID?
Yes you will need to bring an acceptable form of voter ID with you to be able to vote.
IDs that are accepted at polling stations include:
- Passports
- Driving licence
- A Blue Badge
- Older Person’s Bus Pass funded by the UK Government
- Disabled Person’s Bus Pass funded by the UK Government
- 60+ London Oyster Photocard funded by Transport for London
- Freedom Pass
- A proof of age card (PASS card)
- Voter Authority Certificate
- Veterans’ card
- e-visa
The name on your ID will need to match your name on the electoral register, if voters have changed their name, they should take a document with you in addition to your photo ID that proves you’ve changed your name such as a marriage certificate to the polling station.
If you are voting on someone’s behalf you will need to take your own photo ID when you go to vote but you do not need to take theirs.
What happens when I get to the polling station?
You do not need to bring your poll card to vote but you will need to give your name and address to the staff inside the polling station when you arrive.
The staff will then ask to see your ID and that it looks like you. You can request to have your photo ID viewed in private, if you choose this a private area will be available such as a separate room or an area separated by a privacy screen, depending on the polling station.
You’ll be given a ballot paper containing a list of the candidates you can vote for.
If you need any assistance for example, help reading the list of candidates staff at the polling station will be able to help.
Can I take photos?
You cannot take photos inside the polling station as it might risk the secrecy of the ballot.
You are allowed to take photos outside the polling station.
When will the result be announced?
The election count will be taking place on Friday, May 8, 2026 with the results expected sometime during the day.
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