Earlswood and Whitebushes by-election - Thursday 7 May 2026

A single seat by-election for Earlswood and Whitebushes Borough Ward will be held on 7 May 2026. Electors may vote for one candidate only. You can find out more about registering to vote and how to vote on our website.

The role of borough councillors

Local councils are made up of councillors who are elected by the public in local elections. Councillors work with local people and partners, such as community groups, businesses, and other organisations, to agree and deliver on local priorities.

You can find out more about the role of a Councillor on the Local Government Association’s website.

Who can vote in the borough council by-election?

To vote in the Earlswood and Whitebushes by-election you must:

• be registered to vote
• be 18 or over on the day of the election
• be registered at an address in the Earlswood and Whitebushes Borough Ward (overseas electors may not vote in these elections)
• not be legally excluded from voting

You must also be one of the following:

• a British citizen
• an Irish citizen
• a qualifying EU citizen
  • citizen of Denmark, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal or Spain or
  • citizen of another EU country, with permission to enter or stay - or not needed permission - since 31 December 2020, and this has continued without a break.
• a qualifying Commonwealth citizen, who has permission to enter or stay in the UK, or who does not need permission.

Further information

Accessible voter materials and translations are available on the electoral commission website.