Essex residents prepare to head to the polls

Residents are being reminded to cast their vote in the Essex County Council elections being held on Thursday 7 May 2026.

A record 428 candidates are running for election to Essex County Council in 2026. It marks an almost 25% increase from the 350 who stood in the previous elections in 2021.

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm, giving you plenty of time throughout the day to cast your vote. 

You should attend the polling station listed on your polling card, though you can still vote without a polling card.

Voter ID is required at polling stations. You should check now whether you have an accepted form of ID.

Polling stations are designed to be accessible and welcoming to all. Staff will be on hand to provide assistance and ensure you can cast your ballot independently and in secret.

Support is available for anyone who needs it, including:

• assistance from trained polling station staff
• the option to bring a companion over the age of 18 to help complete the ballot
• accessibility equipment such as tactile voting devices, large print ballot papers and seating where possible

If you have specific accessibility requirements, speak to staff on arrival who will do their best to accommodate individual needs.

Essex residents will be choosing the councillor who will stand for their local division and speak up for their community’s priorities.

The council handles major services which affect everyday life. These include but are not limited to:

• education
• environment
• highways
• libraries
• public health
• social care
• transport
• waste and recycling
• youth services

The number of seats on the council will rise from 75 to 78 in 2026. It follows a review by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE).

This is in addition to new division boundaries and the abolition of two-member divisions. This means each division will be represented by one councillor.  

More information about the elections, how to vote and what to expect can be found on our website. 

Joanna Boaler, Assistant Director: Democracy & Transparency, said: “On 7 May 2026 voters across Essex will be able to vote for the people who make decisions about important local services. I encourage everyone to go to their local polling station and make sure they have their say.”