Town Council Elections are tomorrow: what you need to know (and what to bring)
With just a few hours to go until polls open for the Bournemouth, Broadstone and Poole Town Council Elections (Thursday 7 May), local residents are being encouraged to get ready to vote.
This is a sensitive time for everyone in the community, and it’s important to be clear: we’re not supporting any candidate or party. This post is simply a practical reminder of the key voting information so you can take part if you choose to.
You’ll need photo ID to vote in person
If you’re voting at a polling station tomorrow, you’ll need to bring an acceptable form of photo ID.
Without an acceptable form of ID, you won’t be able to cast your vote at the polling station.
Accepted forms of ID include:
- Passport
- Driving licence
- Some bus passes
Good to know: your photo ID doesn’t necessarily need to be in date, as long as the photograph is still a clear likeness of you.
Polling stations are open 7am–10pm
A total of 136 polling stations will be open across the area on Thursday 7 May.
Polling stations will be open:
- 7:00am to 10:00pm
Check where you need to vote
Your polling station is determined by your residential address, and it can change from one election to the next.
Most registered voters will have been sent a poll card in the post, which tells you:
- Where your polling station is
- Or whether you have a postal vote or proxy vote in place
You can also find your polling station online here: www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/polling-station
Beaufort Community Centre confirmed as a polling station
BCP Council has confirmed that Beaufort Community Centre will remain the polling station for the town and parish council elections on 7 May.
If Beaufort Community Centre is listed on your poll card, that’s where you should head to vote.
What the elections are for
These elections are a chance to vote for local representatives who act as a voice for their community on parish-level matters.
A total of 50 town councillors will be elected to the new authorities:
- 21 in Bournemouth
- 21 in Poole
- 8 in Broadstone
Want to see who’s standing in your ward?
Residents can find the candidates standing in their ward here: www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/elections-2026
Quick checklist for tomorrow
Before you leave the house, it’s worth double-checking:
- Do you know your polling station? (Check your poll card or the website)
- Do you have your photo ID? (Even if it’s expired, the photo must still look like you)
- Do you know your voting plan? (In person, postal, or proxy)
If you’re voting tomorrow, hopefully this helps make it straightforward.
