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East Surrey local election

Merstham & Banstead South ward

This election will be held on Thursday 7 May 2026.

  • This is an election for unitary councillors.

    Councillors represent the people of their ward on the council. Councillors are elected for four-year terms. All Surrey wards elect two councillors, which is why you have two votes.

    Unitary 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 local government in Surrey.

You will have two 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 two 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:

    Merstham Village Hall
    Station Road
    Merstham

    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

    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.

    Ballot papers for the election on 7 May 2026 will not be printed until after 9 April 2026. If you have a postal vote, your local council will send your postal voting pack around three weeks before polling day.

    If you are away from home before or shortly after 9 April 2026, and will not return before polling day, your postal vote will not reach you in time for you to use it. In this case, you should consider applying for a proxy vote instead.

    If you have not received your postal voting pack, you can contact Reigate and Banstead Borough Council on 01737 276794.

    Reigate and Banstead Borough Council
    http://www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk/
    elreg@reigate-banstead.gov.uk

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

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