North London, (North London News) April 17, 2026 – North London residents have just three days left to register to vote ahead of the 7 May local elections. The deadline is midnight on Monday, 20 April 2026, and anyone who misses it will not be able to have their say on who runs their borough for the next four years.
Registration takes just a few minutes online at gov.uk and requires a National Insurance number. Those already on the electoral register from a previous address do not need to re-register unless they have since moved, changed their name, or changed nationality.
Voters must bring a valid photo ID to cast their ballot at a polling station on election day. Those without a qualifying photo ID can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate—deadline 5 pm, Tuesday 28 April. Postal vote applications close at 5 pm on Tuesday, 21 April, and proxy vote applications close at 5 pm on Tuesday, 28 April. Polling stations are open from 7 am to 10 pm on 7 May.
All six North London boroughs: Barnet, Brent, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey, and Islington are holding full council elections. Hackney residents will also separately elect a directly elected mayor on the same day. Labour currently controls all six boroughs but enters these elections under considerable national pressure, with polls showing the party at around 20% nationally.
The Greens under new leader Zack Polanski are widely expected to make inroads across inner North London, with Hackney and Haringey among the boroughs identified by psephologists as genuine targets. Polanski has even been reported to be considering standing in a Hackney seat himself. Reform UK is also fielding candidates across North London for the first time in many wards, while pro-Gaza independents are expected to challenge Labour in areas with large Muslim populations. LSE Professor Tony Travers has warned Labour could face a “political earthquake” in the capital’s results.
Councillors decide how billions of pounds are spent in their boroughs each year, from housing approvals and planning decisions to road maintenance, local services, and knife crime initiatives. Their decisions shape daily life in every North London street, park, and high road.
Local elections have historically attracted turnout of between 35 and 40% in London. This year, with the political scenario more fragmented and unpredictable than it has been in decades, every registered vote carries more weight than usual.
Register to vote before midnight on Monday 20 April at gov.uk/register-to-vote. Apply for a free voter ID at electoralcommission.org.uk.
