The BCP Council is reminding residents in Poole to submit their applications for postal votes ahead of the upcoming inaugural town council elections on Thursday, 7 May 2026. Anyone wishing to vote by post must ensure their completed application is received by the council no later than 5pm on Tuesday, 21 April 2026.
These elections mark the first time that Poole will have its own town council, which will operate as a new tier of local government beneath the BCP Council. The newly formed Poole Town Council will be composed of 21 elected councillors. Residents who are not already registered to vote must complete their registration by Monday, 20 April 2026, to be eligible to participate in the May vote.
The establishment of these new town councils has been a point of discussion in the community. While the local authority has moved forward with the plans, public consultation feedback previously indicated opposition, with 78% of respondents in Bournemouth and 59% in Broadstone expressing they did not want a town council established in their areas.
The administrative process for these elections, which includes the creation of the new councils, is expected to cost nearly £1 million. Additionally, the councils are expected to have combined annual precepts of £4,175,510 during their first year of operation.
Postal vote applications can be submitted online via GOV.UK, or by email or post. For those requiring assistance or further information, the BCP Electoral Services team can be reached by phone at 01202 123 400 or via email at [email protected]. Polling stations for those voting in person will be open from 7am until 10pm on election day.
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