With less than three weeks to go until the voter registration deadline for Local Elections in Sandwell on Thursday 7 May, anyone who wants to vote must make sure they are registered in time.
The deadline to register to vote is midnight on Monday 20 April. Voters can apply online - it takes just five minutes.
Once registered, voters have a range of options - they can vote in person, by post or by appointing someone they trust to vote on their behalf, known as a proxy vote.
Voters going to a polling station will need to show valid photo ID.
To find out which photographic ID you can use in the polling station, visit our voter ID webpage.
Most people already have valid photo ID and won’t need to take any action. If you do not have one of the accepted types of ID, you can apply for free ID to use in a polling station online.
Anyone who is unable to apply online can visit Sandwell Council House in Oldbury for help to apply. Alternatively, call the Voter ID helpline on 0121 569 6999.
The deadline for applying for free ID - called a Voter Authority Certificate - for the Local Elections is 5pm on Tuesday 28 April 2026.
Shokat Lal, Electoral Registration Officer for Sandwell Council, said: “Don’t lose your chance to have your say at elections in May. Local Elections are an important opportunity to have your say on who represents you and makes decisions about issues that directly affect day-to-day life here in Sandwell.
“If you’re in doubt about whether you need to register to vote, or have questions about how to apply for a postal or proxy vote, or free ID, go to our website or get in touch with our elections team.”
For more information about the Local Elections in Sandwell go to our dedicated Local Elections webpage.
If you have questions or need help, email electoral_services@sandwell.gov.uk or call the elections team on 0121 569 3244.
Niki Nixon, Director of Communications at the Electoral Commission, said: “It’s important that people check they’re ready to vote ahead of the upcoming local elections. All voters must be registered, and some may need to apply for a postal, proxy vote or free ID.
“If you’ve changed address or moved home since you last registered, it takes just five minutes to update your details online. Checking now helps make sure you can vote in a way that’s right for you.
“Voters will also need to show photo ID at polling stations this May. Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of photo ID can apply for free ID online or by submitting a paper form to their local council.”