It’s time to look up from the library books (or your doomscrolling) for a moment! On Thursday 7 May 2026, Surrey is heading to the polls for a historic set of local elections.

This isn't just any election; it’s the first-ever vote for the new West Surrey Council. Whether you’re passionate about local transport, housing, or the environment in Guildford, this is your chance to shape who makes the big decisions.

🏛️ What’s Changing?

Surrey is moving to a "unitary" system. This means the old Borough and County councils are being replaced by two major authorities: East and West Surrey. As a student in Guildford, you’ll be voting for councillors to represent you on the West Surrey Council, which will handle everything in the local area from transport to infrastructure to social care, and even collecting the waste from your house.

🗓️ Key Deadlines

With the election less than a month away, the clock is ticking:

• Register to Vote: By 23:59 on Monday 20 April. (You must do this to vote!)
• Apply for a Postal Vote: By 17:00 on Tuesday 21 April. (This is if you won’t be in Guildford on voting day, or you want to vote in two locations)
• Apply for a Voter Authority Certificate (Free ID): By 17:00 on Tuesday 28 April. (You’ll need a form of photo ID to vote, a VAC is an alternative if you do not have any photo ID available)

📍 The "Two Addresses" Rule

One of the best-kept secrets of student voting? You can be registered at both your term-time address and your home address.

For local elections, you are legally allowed to vote in both locations, provided they are in different council areas (e.g., if your home is in London and your uni address is in Guildford). It’s a rare chance to have a double impact on the communities you care about.

Note: This is different from General Elections, where you can be registered in two places but can only legally vote in one.

🆔 Don’t Forget Your ID

To vote in person, you must show a valid photo ID. Accepted forms include:

• UK/EEA Passport
• UK Driving Licence (Full or Provisional)
• PASS-accredited cards
• Check the full list of accepted photo ID here. Student ID is not accepted.

No ID? No problem. You can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate online before the April 28th deadline.

🗳️ Where and How to Vote

Keep an eye on your post! You’ll receive a poll card very soon. This card will tell you exactly which polling station you need to head to on 7 May. Polling stations are open 07:00 – 22:00.

If you’re living on campus your polling stations will be:

• Stag Hill: University Library
• Manor Park: Kate Granger building

If you live off campus, check your poll card for your polling station or look it up here.

Can't make it on the day? You can apply to vote by post or nominate a proxy (someone to vote on your behalf).

✅ Who Can I Vote For?

If you live on either university campus or in the West Guildford ward, these are your candidates. If you live outside of this you can look up your candidates here. You can vote for two candidates as there are two roles to fill. 

• Sophie Elizabeth Katherine Evans (Reform UK)
• Christopher Howard Jay (Conservative Party)
• Dale Stephen Layman (Reform UK)
• Julia Maureen McShane (Liberal Democrats)
• John Hugh Morris (The Peace Party)
• Jack Ewen Mountford (Green Party)
• Howard Daniel Smith (Labour Party)
• James Harry Alfred Steel (Liberal Democrats)
• Malachy Nnaemeka Ujam (Conservative Party)
• Jack Laurence Whitehouse (Green Party)

Registering takes just 5 minutes. Don’t let someone else decide how your local area is run.

Click here to register now on GOV.UK

Got any questions? Contact us here or drop into the Union offices.