Elections are taking place on Thursday 7 May 2026, so make sure you are registered to vote and don't forget to bring valid photo ID to the polling station.
Here's a breakdown of everything you need to know before polling day.
Elections in East Hampshire
Hampshire County Council elections
Hampshire County Council elections are scheduled for Thursday 7 May 2026. The Statement of Persons Nominated has now been released, allowing you to see all candidates standing for election.
Hampshire County Council elections
Rowlands Castle Parish Council by‑election
A by‑election has been called to fill a vacant seat on Rowlands Castle Parish Council. It will be held on the same day as the Hampshire County Council elections, Thursday 7 May 2026.
Rowlands Castle Parish Council by‑election
Register to vote
In order to vote in the upcoming elections, you must be registered.
The deadline is 11.59pm on Monday 20 April.
This can be done on the GOV.UK website.
Apply to vote by post
If you know you won’t be able to get to your polling station on polling day, you can choose to vote by post.
You can apply for a postal vote for a range of reasons - for example, if you’ll be away on holiday, if your work schedule makes it difficult to get to the polling station, or simply because voting by post is more convenient for you.
You have until 5pm on Tuesday 21 April to apply for a postal vote. This can be done on the GOV.UK website.
Apply for a postal vote - GOV.UK
Apply to vote by proxy
If you know you won’t be able to get to your polling station on polling day, you can ask someone you trust to vote on your behalf. This is known as a proxy vote, and the person you choose is called your proxy.
If you appoint a proxy, they will need to show their own photo ID at the polling station in order to cast your vote. They do not need to show your ID.
You have until 5pm on Tuesday 28 April to apply for a proxy. This can be done on the GOV.UK website.
Apply for a proxy vote - GOV.UK
Voter photo ID requirements
If you’re voting in person at a polling station, you’ll need to bring a valid form of photo ID. Polling station staff will check your ID before giving you a ballot paper.
You only need to show one acceptable document, and it must be the original - photocopies aren’t allowed.
Expired ID is fine as long as the photo still looks like you.
A wide range of photo identification is accepted, including passports, driving licences, and several other official documents.
Find your nearest polling station
One of the most common questions from voters on election day is “where do I vote?”.
This information will be on your poll card but you can also check where your nearest polling station is on the 'where do I vote' website.