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Sandwell local election

Soho & Victoria ward

This election will be held on Thursday 7 May 2026.

  • This is an election for metropolitan borough councillors.

    Councillors represent the people of their ward on the council. Councillors are elected for four-year terms. Most wards are represented by more than one councillor, which is why you may have more than one vote.

    Metropolitan borough councils are responsible for many different services, including:

    • Child and adult social care
    • Schools and education
    • Rubbish collection and recycling
    • Housing and planning
    • Libraries and museums
    • Roads and pavements
    • Sports facilities and public parks

    Councils are funded by a combination of council tax, business rates, and grants from the UK government. Councillors are not paid a salary, but they do receive financial compensation and expenses to cover their time and travel commitments.

    Learn more about English local government from New Local.

You will have three votes, and can choose from 12 candidates.

Get ready to vote:

  • How to vote

    This election uses First-past-the-post.

    Mark an X in the box for your preferred candidates.

    You can mark up to three candidates.

    Read the instructions at the top of your ballot paper carefully.

    For more information, visit The Electoral Commission's website or ask an official at your polling station.

  •

    Your polling station is:

    Windmill Community Centre
    Messenger Road
    Smethwick

    It will be open from 7a.m. to 10p.m. on Thursday 7 May 2026

    You don't need to take your poll card with you.

    If you have a postal vote, you can hand it in at this polling station on election day up to 10pm. When handing in postal votes, you will need to complete a form, giving your name, address, how many postal votes you are handing in, and why you are handing in those postal votes.

    Read more about how to vote.

  • You will need to take photo ID to vote at a polling station in this election

    You do not need your poll card to vote. You must vote at your assigned polling station.

    If you do not have a photo ID that allows you to vote, you can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate before 28 April 2026

  • Voting by post

    If you know that you won't be able to get to the polling station on polling day, you can vote by post. You have until 21 April 2026 to Apply for a postal vote.

    Read more about applying for a postal vote.

    If you have a postal vote

    • If you already have a postal vote or successfully apply by 2 April 2026, your pack will be sent from 17 April 2026.
    • If you apply after 2 April 2026 up to 5pm on 21 April 2026, your pack will be sent from 24 April 2026.

    If you have not received your postal voting pack, you can contact Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council on 0121 569 3242/3244.

    Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
    http://www.sandwell.gov.uk/
    electoral_services@sandwell.gov.uk

    Replacement packs can only be issued from 30 April 2026 until 5pm on 7 May 2026.

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