First, register to vote online at gov.uk. The deadline is usually around two weeks before election day, so don’t snooze. It takes five minutes, and you can do it from your sofa while moaning about rent prices.
Second, decide how you want to vote. You can vote in person at a polling station, by postal vote, or by appointing a proxy (someone you trust) to vote for you. Postal votes are a godsend for procrastinators and introverts.
Fun fact: You can now vote using a polling card or photo ID in England. Don’t forget your passport or driving license, or you’ll be turned away. It’s the new rule since 2026, and it’s caught out plenty of Londoners.
The London Twist: Cultural Easter Eggs
Here’s a little cultural trivia: The London mayoral election uses the Supplementary Vote system. You pick a first-choice candidate and a second-choice candidate. If your first choice is eliminated, your second vote might still count. It’s like a dating app for politicians—swipe left, but strategically.
London mayor election 2026: How to find your nearest polling station
Election day itself is a very British affair. Polling stations are often in church halls, community centres, or even pubs. Yes, you can grab a pint after casting your vote. Just don’t spill lager on the ballot paper.
And remember the 2016 election? When Zac Goldsmith vs. Sadiq Khan turned the Oyster card into a political symbol? That’s London for you—everything, even public transport, becomes a campaign ad.
