Voters across Chelmsford and the rest of Essex will head to the polls on Thursday 7th May 2026 for the Essex County Council elections.
The elections, which were postponed from 2025, will decide the make-up of Essex County Council for the next four years. In the Chelmsford area, residents will also vote in a local by-election for Chelmsford City Council in the Broomfield and The Walthams ward, following the resignation of Cllr Nicola Bugbee.
Voters in the Broomfield and The Walthams ward will receive two ballot papers on the day:
- A white ballot paper for the Essex County Council election
- A lilac ballot paper for the Chelmsford City Council by-election
Key dates:
- Polling Day: Thursday 7th May 2026 (polls open 7am–10pm)
- Deadline to register to vote: 11:59pm on Monday 20 April 2026
- Deadline for postal/proxy vote applications: Tuesday 28 April 2026 (5pm)
This is an important opportunity for local residents to have their say on county and city council representation. Full details of candidates will be published closer to the date.