West Sussex County Council election taking place on Thursday 7 May

The West Sussex County Council election is taking place on Thursday 7 May 2026, giving residents the opportunity to shape decisions that affect their local communities. Seventy councillors will be elected, each representing around 12,000 people and playing a key role in setting policies, managing budgets, and ensuring accountability to the public.

• Make sure you’re registered to vote

  
  

  If you’ve never voted before or have recently moved, you must register. The deadline is midnight on Monday 20 April. Visit this link to register.
  

• Choose how you want to vote

  
  

  You can vote:

  • In person at a polling station

  • By post (apply by 5pm on Tuesday 21 April here)

  • By proxy, where someone votes on your behalf (apply by 5pm on Tuesday 28 April here)
    

• Bring valid photo ID if voting in person

  
  

  Accepted forms include:

  • Passport

  • Driving licence (including provisional)

  • Blue Badge

  • Certain travel cards

  • PASS-marked ID

  • Biometric immigration documents

  • Armed Forces or veteran ID

  • Some national identity cards
    

• No ID?

  
  

  You can request a Voter Authority Certificate if you don’t have suitable ID. Apply by 5pm on Tuesday 28 April here.
  

• Need help or more information?

  Contact your local district or borough council, or visit the Electoral Commission website. You can also call their helpline on 0800 328 0280.
  

• Get to know your candidates

  
  

  Check who is standing in your area before the election day so you can make an informed choice.
  

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday 7 May, with votes counted the following day. Whether it’s your first time voting or you’re a regular participant, taking part in this election is a direct way to influence how your local area is run.