Residents across Chelmsford will head to the polls on Thursday 7 May 2026 as the long-awaited Essex County Council elections take place, alongside a city council by-election in Broomfield and The Walthams.
The elections, originally scheduled for 2025, were postponed as part of wider local government reorganisation plans, but will now go ahead this spring.
Voters across Chelmsford will elect representatives to Essex County Council, which is responsible for key local services including education, highways, social care, transport, and waste management.
In addition, a by-election for Broomfield and The Walthams will take place following the resignation of a local councillor.
Residents in that ward will receive two ballot papers:
- One for the county council election
- One for the city council by-election
Key election dates and deadlines
Here are the important dates voters need to know:
Poll cards issued: Around 30 March 2026
Candidates announced: Friday 10 April 2026
Register to vote deadline: Monday 20 April 2026 (midnight)
Postal vote deadline: Tuesday 21 April 2026 (5pm)
Proxy vote deadline: Tuesday 28 April 2026 (5pm)
Voter ID certificate deadline: Tuesday 28 April 2026 (5pm)
Election day: Thursday 7 May 2026 (7am–10pm)
Results announced: Friday 8 May 2026
Don’t forget voter ID
Voters attending polling stations in person will need to bring valid photo ID. Those without suitable ID can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate before the deadline.
Postal and proxy voting
If you’re unable to attend in person:
Postal votes must be applied for by 21 April
Proxy votes (someone voting on your behalf) must be arranged by 28 April
Postal ballot packs are expected to be sent out from mid-April.
Changes to voting boundaries
This election will also be the first to use new electoral division boundaries across Essex following a review.
In Chelmsford, nine county councillors will be elected, each representing a single division.
Make sure you’re registered
To take part, residents must be registered to vote by midnight on 20 April 2026. If you’ve voted before and your details haven’t changed, you should already be registered.
Final word
With decisions on vital local services at stake, these elections are a key opportunity for Chelmsford residents to have their say.
For those in Broomfield and The Walthams, the additional by-election means a chance to shape representation at both county and city level on the same day.