Walsall Council has officially published the list of 282 candidates standing for the local elections on 7 May 2026. This year, all 60 council seats across the borough are being contested at once, marking a significant change for voters in Bloxwich and beyond.
The upcoming vote follows a review by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England, which introduced new ward names and boundaries across Walsall Council. To ensure all councillors serve on the new boundaries simultaneously, every seat must be re-elected. Following this, the council will return to its previous system of electing members by thirds starting in 2027.
Residents in the newly combined Bloxwich East and Blakenall Heath ward, as well as the Bloxwich West ward, can choose up to three candidates. The candidate who receives the most votes will serve a four-year term, while the second-placed candidate will serve two years and the third-placed candidate will serve one year. The political landscape of the council has also shifted recently, with the Conservative Party losing its majority in February 2026.
Chief Executive and Returning Officer Emma Bennett noted that with these updated boundaries, some polling stations may have moved. Residents are reminded that they must bring an accepted form of photo identification to the polling station to cast their vote. Those without suitable identification can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate.
Key deadlines for voters include:
- Registering to vote: Midnight on 20 April 2026.
- Applying for a postal vote: 5pm on 21 April 2026.
- Applying for a proxy vote or a Voter Authority Certificate: 5pm on 28 April 2026.
Further information on the candidates and the registration process is available through the official council website.
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