Croydon residents are being reminded that the deadline for registering to vote in the local elections is fast approaching.

There is still time to register to vote, apply to vote by post or proxy, and apply for a Voter Authority Certificate if you don’t have photo ID – which is now a legal requirement.

The deadline to register to vote at midnight on Monday 20 April.

To apply for a postal vote, or to change or cancel an existing postal or proxy vote, the deadline is at 5pm on Tuesday 21 April.

Registering to vote is quick and easy – it only takes minutes. Find out who is eligible to vote and how to register to vote on the Council website.

Registered voters will receive two ballot papers, a white ballot paper for the Mayor of Croydon election and a yellow ballot paper for the ward councillor election. Find out more about the role and responsibilities of the Executive Mayor and the election of Councillors.

Croydon residents will be required to show photographic identification at all polling stations. This is a new, legal requirement for all UK elections following the Elections Act of 2022. Find out what photo ID is accepted here.

Key dates for the 2026 local elections:

  • 20 April (midnight) – Deadline to register to vote
  • 21 April (5pm) – Deadline to apply for a postal vote, or to change or cancel an existing postal or proxy vote
  • 28 April (5pm) – Deadline to apply for a new proxy vote
  • 28 April (5pm) – Deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate
  • 7 May (5pm) – Deadline to apply for an emergency proxy vote
  • 7 May – Polling day (7am to 10pm)
  • 8 May – votes counted for the Mayor of Croydon elections
  • 9 May – votes counted for the ward councillor elections

Members of the media who wish the attend the counts on 8 and 9 May must be accredited in advance. Find out more on the Council website.