Elections

Electoral Services are responsible for the organisation and administration of all elections and referenda that take place in Sunderland and for compiling and maintaining the Electoral Register.

There are no scheduled elections in Sunderland in May 2025.

Sunderland City Council elects members 'by thirds' over a four year cycle. There are 75 members in total, 3 members for each of the 25 wards in the city. 

In year 1 of that cycle, 25 members are up for election. In year 2, the next 25 are up for election with the final 25 up for election in year 3. In the 4th year of the cycle, sometimes referred to as a 'fallow' year, there are no elections. 2025 is a fallow year, hence there are no elections this year.

The next scheduled elections for the council will be in May 2026.