Elections
Churches sit at the meeting point of public life, moral formation, and community wellbeing. Our involvement in elections matters because we are deeply connected to the hopes, fears, and needs of the people we serve and the wider community. Churches are non-partisan, and many will act as polling stations during elections – find guidance on this here.
As Christians we pray for our nations and local areas and hold a responsibility to ensure that regardless who is leading, that they challenge injustice and work on the behalf of those who are marginalised. We also encourage respect and fairness in the process.
Local elections across England will take place on Thursday 7 May 2026, with more than 4,850 council seats being contested across 134 councils. These elections shape decisions about housing, social care, transport, environmental action, youth services, and the wellbeing of our neighbours. There will also be Scottish Parliament elections, Senedd Cymru (Welsh Assembly) elections and mayoral elections in England.
‘First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.’ 1 Timothy 2:1-4
Useful information
As well as pray, we act through voting, and we have provided below some helpful information as we encourage registrations for voting and remind of the new ID requirements.
Election Ready posters
Churches Together Elections website with helpful documents, news, events and resources for churches
Register to vote
You can register at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote
Photo ID rules
You will need to present one form of photo ID; it must be the original and not a copy! If your photo ID is expired or out of date it can still be used if it still looks like you.
- Passport
- Driving Licence
- Concessionary photo card e.g. Freedom pass
- Biometric immigration document or Identity card with PASS mark*
If you do not have a photo ID you can apply for a FREE Voter Authority Certificate, the certificate doesn’t have an expiry date so worth applying if needed for future need. A full list of permitted ID can be found at www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID
*Local elections
Will your church be a polling station?
If so, are your noticeboards up to date with church activities and people to contact? Are they appealing? Can people find out about Jesus?
As well as offering a crucial service, being a polling station is a fantastic opportunity for engagement with your community with increased footfall through the building. It’s a great chance to showcase what is taking place in your parish, and to reach local people who might never normally go into a church. Is there information about Jesus if people want to find out more?
How can your church support local elections? Poster
Tea and biscuits at Christ Church Sutton:
Last year volunteers at Christ Church Sutton met voters with tea and biscuits. They said this is the first time they’ve done this and it’s been very encouraging, they welcomed around 150 people into the church during the day and made new local connections, as well as offered hospitality to the hard-working polling officers.
We’d love to hear how your parish engages with voters on election day – share your stories by contacting [email protected]
For further information on preparing for elections please contact Natalie Walters, Head of JPIC at [email protected]
Talking to candidates, councillors and MPs about the issues
Here is a list of issues and questions you can raise:
Climate and Environment
- How will you help our area reduce emissions and prepare for extreme weather?
- What steps will you take to improve public transport, walking, and cycling routes?
- How will you support households struggling with energy costs?
Poverty and Cost of Living
- What specific policies are you supporting to reduce poverty nationally and locally?
- What is your stance on raising the national minimum wage or implementing a real living wage?
- What actions will you support to address rising costs of housing, energy, childcare, and food?
- How will you measure success when it comes to reducing poverty in this constituency?
Refugee and Asylum Seeker Engagement
- What is your position on the UK’s current asylum system, including processing times and living conditions?
- How do you believe the UK should balance border control with humanitarian obligations?
- Do you support providing the right to work for asylum seekers while their claims are processed? Why or why not?
- How will you support the integration of refugees and asylum seekers in our community (e.g., housing, education, employment, health)?
Homelessness and Housing
- What policies do you support to prevent homelessness before it occurs?
- What is your stance on government targets to end rough sleeping, and what steps do you believe are necessary to achieve this?
- How will you increase access to genuinely affordable housing?
Modern Slavery and Exploitation
- How will the council identify and support victims of exploitation?
- What training will frontline staff receive to spot signs of modern slavery?
- How will you partner with faith and community groups to raise awareness?
Disability Inclusion
- How will you ensure public spaces and services are fully accessible?
- What support will you provide for carers and people with long‑term conditions?
- How will disabled residents be included in decision‑making?
Youth Safety and Wellbeing
- What investment will you make in youth services and safe community spaces?
- How will you work with schools, churches, and local groups to prevent violence?
- What is your plan to support young people’s mental health?
