Tower Hamlets is actively preparing for the 2026 borough ward elections and the executive mayor poll, scheduled for 7 May 2026, by introducing digital polling, ensuring postal vote applications are up to date and implementing other key measures.
The General Purposes Committee convened on Thursday, 4 December 2025, to discuss election readiness, among other items. Robert Curtis, head of Electoral Services, assured the committee that preparations are ahead of schedule compared to previous election cycles in 2018 and 2022.
One significant change for the upcoming election is the implementation of a digital polling register. Voters will be required to scan their poll cards to record their voter ID, a requirement to produce voter ID before being given a ballot paper. This measure aims to enhance security and efficiency. That's very secure,
Curtis stated, highlighting the use of a market-leading system.
The election will employ the first past the post system for the mayoral election. There will be 76 polling places with 110 polling stations. According to Curtis, 75 of the 76 polling places have been secured, with a replacement needed for Exmouth Hall, due to its demolition. Councillor Shafi Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Environment and the Climate Emergency, raised the possibility of alternative venues for the count within Tower Hamlets. Robert Curtis responded that a report had been produced considering six different locations, including the town hall, but none were deemed suitable due to floor plans, movement, and police advice.
A statutory timetable outlining key dates will be available on the council website in the new year. A project planning board, including representatives from various council departments, the Electoral Commission, and the police, is meeting monthly, with bi-weekly meetings scheduled to begin in the new year. All known political parties have been given the opportunity to discuss any concerns regarding election preparations.
Postal votes are also a key focus. Of the 26,000 postal voters in Tower Hamlets, 22,000 need to reapply by 31 January. Curtis emphasized the importance of residents being aware of this requirement to avoid losing their postal vote. The council has already sent approximately four communications to postal voters and will publish an article in Our East End to raise awareness. A household notification letter will also be delivered in February or March.
To ensure residents, especially vulnerable populations, receive the assistance they need to reapply for postal votes, the council is leveraging its high email uptake, with 154,000 residents providing their email addresses for quick communication via the Government Notify system. For those without email, the council will use other avenues such as household notification letters and poll cards. Additionally, a staff member who is a Bangladeshi speaker will be available in the Grand Foyer of the town hall to assist residents with postal vote applications.
Councillor Peter Golds, Chair of Licensing Committee / Licensing Regulatory Committee, reiterated the importance of adhering to the Elections Act 2022, which introduced serious increases in the undue influence offences, handling of postal votes, and it is now a criminal offence for campaigners and political parties to handle postal votes. The council is particularly focused on preventing these undue influence offences and the handling of postal votes.
In response to a question from Councillor Gulam Kibria Choudhury, Chair of the Health & Adults Scrutiny Sub-Committee, Robert Curtis confirmed that residents can drop off postal votes directly at the town hall, where a staff member will be available in the Grand Foyer to receive them and ensure the necessary forms are completed.
The agenda frontsheet for the meeting is available online.
