Essential checklist for Camden residents heading to the polls
Residents across Camden will head to the polls on Thursday, 7 May, to elect the local councillors who will represent their communities for the next term. These elections determine the local leadership for the London Borough of Camden, impacting services ranging from housing and planning to social care and environment.
Key points for election day
- Polling hours: Stations are open from 7am to 10pm.
- Voting deadline: You must be in the queue by 10pm to cast your vote.
- ID requirement: You cannot vote in person without a valid form of photo identification.
- Poll cards: You do not need your poll card to vote, but it helps staff find your name faster.
Mandatory photo ID at polling stations
Under national legislation, every voter appearing at a polling station must present an original, accepted form of photo ID. If you do not have one of the following documents, you will be unable to vote in person. Accepted forms of ID include a UK or Irish passport, a UK driving licence, a Blue Badge, an Oyster 60+ card, or a Freedom Pass.
Expired identification is still valid for voting purposes provided the photograph remains a true likeness of the voter. The name on the ID must also match the name used during voter registration. For those who require privacy, every polling station in Camden is equipped to conduct identity checks behind a screen or in a private area upon request.
Ward structures and ballot instructions
Camden is divided into 20 distinct wards. The number of votes you can cast depends on where you live. In 15 of these wards, residents will elect three councillors. However, due to population size, the wards of Camden Square, Camden Town, Frognal, Hampstead Town, and Kentish Town North are represented by two councillors. Voters should carefully read the instructions at the top of their ballot paper to ensure they do not exceed their allocated number of votes.
Changes to local polling stations
Several regular polling locations have changed for this election cycle. Residents in the South Hampstead ward who previously voted at the Acol Bridge Club must now attend St James’ Church Hall on Sherriff Road. In the Bloomsbury ward, the station formerly located at RADA Studios has moved to the Chamber at 12 Bloomsbury Square, with the entrance located via Pied Bull Yard.
Returning postal and proxy votes
The deadline to apply for postal or proxy voting has now passed. If you are a registered postal voter, your pack must be returned to Camden Council by 10pm on 7 May. If you are concerned about postal delays, you may hand-deliver your completed pack to any polling station in the borough or directly to Camden Town Hall on Judd Street.
Anyone handing in a postal vote in person will be required to complete a short form. Do not leave postal votes in council office letter boxes, as these will be automatically rejected under current electoral law. If you face a sudden medical or work emergency on polling day that prevents you from voting in person, you may be eligible for an emergency proxy vote until 5pm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the local elections on May 7th important for Camden residents?
These elections determine the local leadership for the London Borough of Camden. By voting, you select the councillors responsible for managing essential community services, including social care, housing, urban planning, and environmental policy. These officials directly influence how local taxes are spent and how your neighborhood is governed for the next term.
Which forms of photo ID are accepted, and can I still vote if my ID has expired?
To vote in person, you must present an original, valid photo ID. Accepted forms include a UK or Irish passport, UK driving licence, Blue Badge, or an Oyster 60+ card. You can still use an expired ID as long as the photograph remains a true likeness of you. If you require privacy for an identity check, you can request to be seen behind a screen or in a private area at any Camden polling station.
How many candidates can I vote for, and why does it change depending on where I live?
The number of votes you can cast depends on your specific ward’s population. In 15 of Camden’s 20 wards, you can vote for up to three councillors. however, if you live in Camden Square, Camden Town, Frognal, Hampstead Town, or Kentish Town North, you are limited to two votes. Always read the instructions at the top of your ballot paper carefully to avoid ‘over-voting,’ which could invalidate your ballot.
What happens after the polls close at 10pm, and where can I find the results?
As long as you are in the queue by 10pm, you will be allowed to cast your vote. Once polling ends, ballot boxes are sealed and transported to a central location for verification and counting. Official results are usually announced throughout the following day and will be published on the Camden Council website and through local news updates on Hiyastar.
Source: Camden Council
