Heading to the polls this Thursday to cast your vote in the 2026 Local Elections? Here’s everything you need to know about how to vote, where to vote and who to vote for…
Who is standing?
There are a total of 39 Isle of Wight Council wards on the Island. No ward is uncontested, so every vote matters.
Reform UK are the only party to field candidates in all 39 wards, with Conservatives standing in 37. The Green Party have representatives in 26 Isle of Wight Council wards, whilst Labour field candidates in 17 wards.
The Liberal Democrats are contesting 13 wards, 5 Island Independent Network candidates are standing and there are 2 representatives from the Vectis Party.
Independent candidates are standing in 22 of the Isle of Wight Wards.
Island Echo has compiled a list of all the candidates, accompanied by a short profile piece, at https://isleofwight.vote/candidates-local-elections-2026/.
Where do I go to vote?
You should have already received a poll card through the post which details where you need to go. These are often places such as church halls, community centres, football clubs and fire stations. Polling stations will be open from 07:00 – 22:00. A full list of stations and their addresses can be found here.
What do I need to take with me?
All you need is a valid form of photo ID. You do not need to take any paper or a pen as both will be provided. Upon arrival you will be asked to give your name and address so that staff can find you on the electoral register. Whilst you don’t have to take your polling card with you, many people choose to so that polling station staff can find them quicker. What will be on the ballot paper? On your ballot paper will be the list of 6 local candidates. You must mark only 1 candidate with an X. Adding any more marks to your ballot paper will spoil your vote. After you have filled out the ballot paper a member of staff will ask you to fold the paper in half and place it into a ballot box.
What if I need some help?
If you become stuck at any point in the process, just ask the staff at the polling station. They will be happy to assist you. If you want to, you can take your phone into the polling booth to use magnifier or text-to-speech apps, or the phone torch to improve lighting. When using your phone, don’t take any photos inside the polling station, as you might accidentally reveal how someone has voted. You can also ask polling station staff to help you, or you can bring anyone 18 or over with you to help you cast your vote. They don’t need to be eligible to vote in that election.
When can we expect the result?
Once all the polling stations are closed, ballot papers will make their way to Medina Leisure Centre in Newport, where the count will take place on Friday (8th May). It is anticipated that the result should be announced between 13:00-15:00 providing there are no administrative issues and that a re-count isn’t needed. Island Echo will be live from the count throughout the night until both declarations are made, providing you with all the latest news as it happens.
Find out who your local councillor is, how and where to vote and the results of previous elections at www.isleofwight.vote - the Island's new hub for all things related to Local and General Elections, brought to you by Island Echo.
Just take your brain with you when going along.
And vote Reform!
No… don’t just blindly vote for reform or any on else…
do your research,.. and only vote reform if you are 100% sure it really is the right thing to do.
but remember,.. this is a local council election,… so voting reform will not, in any way, stop the boats, or ‘get starmer out’…
nor will it in any way increase the amount of money available to the council & prevent cuts in services, or rises in council tax
look at the broken promisses of other reform led councils & then decide if that’s really worth the risk.. (reform as a political party have no proven track record & are mostly just recycled conservatives)
You make so much sense obviously not a
Reformer
Lol
I can spot a Reformer a mile off, full of Tatts and smoking
or vaping like a chimney
Lol
Bless them!
I am not that desperate. I will leave that to the numpties
Your gonna struggle then
Vote restore Britain. Millions must go.
Reform uk all the way
Heil Farage !