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Tunbridge Wells local election

St James' ward

This election will be held on Thursday 7 May 2026.

  • This is an election for district councillors.

    Councillors represent the people of their ward on the council. Councillors are elected for four-year terms, and most wards have more than one councillor. This council elects one third of its councillors each year, which is why you may only have one vote.

    District councils are responsible for many different services, including:

    • Rubbish collection and recycling
    • Housing and planning
    • 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 one vote, and can choose from five candidates.

Get ready to vote:

  • How to vote

    This election uses First-past-the-post.

    Mark an X in the box for your preferred candidate.

    You can mark up to one candidate.

    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 council is running a trial that allows you to vote in person before polling day. You can vote in advance at one of these locations, or vote at your assigned polling station as normal on polling day.

    Read more about the voting trial.

    Vote before polling day

    • Royal Victoria Place
      Royal Victoria Place
      Pop in Pop up unit, upper mall near M&S,
      Royal Tunbridge Wells,
      TN1 2SS
      Opening times
      Date Open
      May 2, 2026 9 a.m. — 6 p.m.
      May 3, 2026 10:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m.
    • Paddock Wood Community Centre
      Paddock Wood Community Centre
      Maidstone Road,
      Paddock Wood,
      TN12 6EB
      Opening times
      Date Open
      May 2, 2026 9 a.m. — 6 p.m.
      May 3, 2026 10:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m.
    • Vestry Hall
      Vestry Hall
      Stone Street,
      Cranbrook
      TN17 3HA
      Opening times
      Date Open
      May 2, 2026 9 a.m. — 6 p.m.
      May 3, 2026 10:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m.

    Vote on polling day

    Your polling station is:

    The Hub, Grosvenor Recreation Ground
    Auckland Road
    Royal Tunbridge Wells
    Kent

    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 TN1 2HR.

  • 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.

    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 Tunbridge Wells Borough Council on 01892 554024.

    Tunbridge Wells Borough Council
    http://www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk/
    electoralregistrations@tunbridgewells.gov.uk

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

  • Add future elections in TN1 2HR to your calendar

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    1. In your calendar app settings, choose the option for adding a new calendar.
    2. If presented with the option to choose a calendar type, choose web calendar.
    3. Enter this URL and save: webcal://whocanivotefor.co.uk/elections/TN1%202HR.ics

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