Sandwell residents head to the polls this Thursday, May 7, for a pivotal set of local elections that will determine the entire makeup of the borough council. Following a comprehensive review of ward boundaries, every one of the 72 seats is up for election simultaneously, a departure from the usual cycle of electing by thirds.
All 72 council seats contested after boundary shifts
The restructure means Sandwell is now divided into 24 wards, each represented by three councillors. This „all-out” election format allows electors to cast up to three votes on their ballot paper. The upcoming ballot follows significant changes to the borough’s political map, requiring residents to understand the new voting rules in Sandwell before heading to the polls.
| Election Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Election Date | Thursday, 7 May |
| Total Seats | 72 |
| Wards | 24 |
| Candidates per Ward | 3 |
| Polling Station Hours | 07:00 – 22:00 |
Mandatory photo ID and privacy at polling stations
Voters must present a valid form of photographic identification to receive a ballot paper. Accepted documents include UK passports, driving licences (including provisionals), Blue Badges, and certain concessionary travel passes. Older Person’s Bus Passes are accepted, but those issued to young people are not. Bank cards do not qualify as a valid form of identification.
Shokat Lal, Sandwell Council’s Returning Officer, confirmed that staff are prepared to facilitate private ID checks for anyone who requests them. This includes residents who wear face coverings for religious or personal reasons. No justification is required for such a request, and polling stations will have designated private areas to ensure the process remains discreet.
Proxy voting and postal ballot deadlines
If a voter loses their ID or their Voter Authority Certificate fails to arrive by election day, emergency proxy voting remains an option until 5pm on May 7. The appointed proxy must also possess their own valid photo ID to cast the vote.
Changes also affect those returning postal votes by hand. Anyone who has not posted their ballot in time must follow specific new regulations for handing them in at polling stations or council offices. Niki Nixon, Director of Communications at the Electoral Commission, urged residents to verify their ID documents today to avoid being turned away at the ballot box.
Source: Sandwell Council
