Aspens champions the inclusion of autistic people and individuals with learning disabilities, and we believe it is incredibly important that everyone is empowered to have a voice in the Local Elections taking place today, 7 May 2026. Below is information about where elections are taking place across the areas we support, and how to vote.

Where Local Elections Are Taking Place in 2026 (Kent, Sussex, Bexley and Surrey)
Local elections vary by area, and not every council holds elections every year. In May 2026, the following areas are expected to have elections.

In Kent, elections are being held in Ashford Borough Council, Canterbury City Council, Dartford Borough Council, Dover District Council, Folkestone & Hythe District Council, Gravesham Borough Council, Maidstone Borough Council, Sevenoaks District Council, Swale Borough Council, Thanet District Council, Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council. 

In Sussex, several councils are holding elections, including Brighton & Hove City Council, Crawley Borough Council, Hastings Borough Council, Adur District Council, Worthing Borough Council, Arun District Council, Chichester District Council, Lewes District Council, Rother District Council and Wealden District Council.

In Bexley, the London Borough of Bexley is scheduled for a full council election in May 2026.

In Surrey, elections are being held in Elmbridge Borough Council, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, Guildford Borough Council, Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, Runnymede Borough Council, Spelthorne Borough Council, Surrey Heath Borough Council, Tandridge District Council, Waverley Borough Council and Woking Borough Council.

Please check your local council website for the most up‑to‑date information.

Voting in Person
To vote in person, you must show an accepted form of photo ID at the polling station. Accepted ID includes a UK passport, UK driving licence, Blue Badge, Older Person’s or Disabled Person’s Bus Pass, or a PASS‑accredited ID card. If you or someone you support does not have an accepted form of ID, a Voter Authority Certificate can be used if already obtained before the deadline.

Voting by Proxy
People who have a disability can apply for a trusted person to vote on their behalf. This is known as a proxy vote. Applications must have been completed before the legal deadline set ahead of today’s election.

Further information can be found on the Electoral Commission's website here.

Accessible Voting Resources
Read our accessible guide to voting in local elections below.

Voting in Local Elections (Aspens Easy Read Guide)

Further accessible resources from My Vote My Voice can be viewed on their website here.