Full term local government elections
This year is what's known as a fallow year for Herefordshire Council, which means we don't have any scheduled full term local government elections taking place on 7 May 2026.
This is part of the normal local election cycle. We elect all of our councillors every four years. Our next scheduled polls are due to take place on 6 May 2027.
You may see information online or in the media about elections in neighbouring areas and be wondering why there's nothing about elections here. This is completely normal, as different areas vote in different years.
Local government ward and parish by-elections
Local government by-elections are unscheduled and take place outside of Herefordshire Council's four-yearly full term local government elections. By-elections take place as a result of a casual vacancy on a parish council or Herefordshire Council. For example if someone resigns or dies, their seat on the council becomes vacant and the local electorate can request that a by-election be held to fill it.
For more information, to view which elections we currently have taking place and to view all statutory notices, please visit our local government ward and parish by-elections page.
Neighbourhood planning referendums
Neighbourhood planning was introduced under the Localism Act and aims to help local communities play a direct role in planning their local area. The plans can set out how the community would like land to be used and developed in the area it covers, and to set other local planning policies.
When the plan has been submitted to Herefordshire Council and has gone through due process, a referendum must be held asking the local electorate whether or not they support the plan.
View more information on neighbourhood planning
For more information, to view which referendums we currently have taking place and to view all statutory notices please visit our neighbourhood planning referendums page.
Further information on local government by-elections and neighbourhood planning referendums is also available in the voter section on the Electoral Commission website.
Standing as a candidate and the nomination process
For all the details on standing as a candidate in a ward or parish election, see our standing as a candidate and the nomination process page.
Frequently asked questions about voting
How do I register to vote?
To vote in any election in the UK, you must be registered to vote. It takes five minutes to register and you can do this online at GOV.UK.
If you're unable to register online, you can phone our office to register with a member of staff or you can apply by post. You can download the voter registration forms.
How can I apply to vote by post?
To vote by post you must first be registered to vote.
Once you have registered, visit our vote by post page to view information on postal voting and how you can apply quickly using the government online application service.
If you're thinking about voting by post, you can apply to do this at any time, you don’t have to wait for an election to be called. This will make sure your application is processed earlier, and your postal vote may be sent to you sooner - once the candidates for the elections are confirmed.
How can I apply to vote by proxy?
If you aren't able to cast your vote in person, you can ask someone you trust to cast your vote for you as a proxy. The person voting on your behalf can either go to your polling station to cast your vote, or they can apply to vote for you by post.
To vote by proxy you and the person you appoint as your proxy must first be registered to vote.
Once you and your proxy have registered, visit our vote by proxy page to view information on proxy voting and how you can apply.
Is voting by post safe?
Yes, voting by post is safe and proven cases of electoral fraud are rare. When voting by post, you should mark your vote on the ballot paper in secret, and seal the envelope yourself.
You will also be asked to give your date of birth and signature when applying for a postal or proxy vote. This makes postal voting safe, because when you return your postal voting pack your signature and date of birth are checked against those you provided before to confirm your identity.
Your signature and date of birth are separated from your ballot paper before it is looked at or counted, so giving this information will not affect the secrecy of your vote.
How do you protect postal voting from fraud?
When voting by post, you should mark your vote on the ballot paper in secret, and seal the envelope yourself. You will be asked to give your date of birth and signature when applying for a postal or proxy vote.
When you return your postal voting pack you will again be asked for your signature and date of birth, and these will be checked against those you have already provided in order to confirm your identity.
Your signature and date of birth are separated from your ballot paper before it is looked at or counted, so giving this information will not affect the secrecy of your vote.
Will I need to bring my own pen or pencil?
We recommend that you bring your own pen or pencil to the polling station to minimise contact. There will be clean pencils available for you to use at the polling station if you forget to bring your own.
When does an election takes place if it has been requested through a casual vacancy?
The election must usually be held within 60 days of the date that the vacancy arises for parish council elections. It must be held within 35 days for Herefordshire Council elections.