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St. Helens local election

Rainhill 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 10 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:

    St Anns Millennium Centre
    View Road
    Rainhill
    Merseyside

    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.

    Get directions from L35 0QR.

  • 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

    The deadline to apply for a postal vote for the elections taking place on 7 May 2026 was 21 April 2026. You can apply for a postal vote in future elections.

    Read more about voting by post.

    If you have a postal vote

    • If you already have a postal vote or successfully apply by 23 March 2026, your pack will be sent from tomorrow.
    • If you apply after 23 March 2026 up to 5pm on 21 April 2026, your pack will be sent from 27 April 2026.

    If you have not received your postal voting pack, you can contact St Helens Metropolitan Borough Council on 01744 676464.

    St Helens Metropolitan Borough Council
    http://www.sthelens.gov.uk/
    elections@sthelens.gov.uk

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

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