More locations could be opened under plans to reform polling stations. Credit: Megan Jones

Govt to trial updated voting procedures in May elections

2 March 2026 15:05 Mike Sheridan Comments (0)

Shopping Centre ballot boxes and mobile voting booths could be rolled out ahead of this year’s local elections, under new plans to reform polling stations announced by the government this week.

Voters across the Midlands are due to head to the polls this year, with elections scheduled for most local authority areas in May.

In a bid to increase turnout, the government says it wants to give voters “more choice over where and when they vote”, by turning popular venues into polling booths and letting people vote before polling day.

Four pilot schemes announced this week include a plan to allow voters in Milton Keynes able to vote in the town’s shopping centre, regardless of their designated polling station, with MCHLG saying the scheme could be rolled out across the country for future elections.

Other proposals include allowing people to cast their votes ahead of polling day, such as on weekends, to allow more voters chance to visit the ballot box.

If successful, the changes could be rolled out across the country, and would be the first update to formal in-person voting procedures since 1872.

Minister for Democracy Samantha Dixon said: “The way we vote in person has not adapted to people’s busy lives, with voters often given no choice but to cast their ballot at strictly set polling stations within limited hours.

“Our trials will make polling days more convenient and test out the first real changes for over 100 years, bringing our democracy into the 21st century.”

The government says the integrity and security of the UK’s voting system “will continue to be protected”, with participating local authorities using existing safeguards, and robust technology, with strong support from the government throughout.

Peter Stanyon, Chief Executive of the Association of Electoral Administrators, said: “These pilots are a great start to exploring different ways to offer electors greater choice about when and where they cast their vote.

“Weekend and early voting, plus voting hubs at places like shopping centres, are used to good effect in many democracies and we hope will also be successful here.”