Elections and how they work
In England and Wales, over 19,000 people represent their communities by serving as councillors on a local authority. Councillors are elected to represent an individual geographical unit of the council known as a Ward (District)
or Division (County). In the City of Coventry, a third of councillors are elected each year, once every 4 years. However, in some councils all councillors are elected every four years. Elections are held on the first Thursday in May,
with the next elections due on 7 May 2026. It is important to note that at the elections in 2026 there will be elections for all councillors due to new ward boundaries being implemented following a review by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England.
If a councillor resigns or dies whilst in office, a by-election is held to elect another person to represent the ward. Councillors elected at a by election serve the remaining period of the 4-year term. However, where a vacancy occurs within 6 months of the date of when the previous councillor was up for re-election, then the seat is vacant until the next election.
Steps to being elected
To become a councillor, you will need to stand as a candidate in a local
election. This involves:
- completing nomination forms to have your name included on the
ballot paper; - appointing an Election Agent to report your campaign finances after
the election; - running your campaign;
- canvassing electors for votes;
- producing election material in accordance with the election rules;
conducting interviews with the press and media; - attending key events;
- making an acceptance speech at the election count (hopefully).
Before every election we hold ‘Candidate and Agent Briefing Sessions’ to provide you with the key information that you will need and give you a step by step guide to the nominations process.
There is detailed advice available to candidates and agents on the Electoral Commissions website that it is important to read.: Guidance for Candidates and Agents at local government elections in England | Electoral Commission
Nomination Process
The nomination process involves completing a number of different forms. Copies and guidance for completing these forms can be downloaded from the Electoral
Commission website: www.electoralcommission.org.uk
Forms you will need to complete:
- Nomination Form
- Candidate's consent to nomination
- Home address Form
- Certificate of authorization (if standing for a political party)
- Request for a party emblem (if standing for a political party)
- Notification of election agent
The nomination form must be endorsed by the signatures of two registered electors (known as subscribers) from the ward in which you are standing.
If you attend the ‘candidate and agent briefing sessions’ you'll be able to obtain a printed copy of the nomination pack, if you require one. The nomination pack will include nomination forms, timetables and guidance notes.
Next Steps
If you have made the decision to stand you will need to make sure you are officially nominated. You will need to complete a nomination pack which you can download from the Electoral Commission’s website or from the Elections Team (these will be available from beginning of March 2026 by contacting electionbackoffice@coventry.gov.uk or calling 024 7697 5226).