On Thursday 7 May 2026, Chelmsford residents head to the polls to elect their Essex County Councillors. There are nine councillors who represent Chelmsford on Essex County Council, making important decisions about county-wide services including roads and highways, education, children's services, adult social care and libraries.
These elections were originally scheduled for May 2025 but were postponed by the Government as part of Local Government Reorganisation plans. A record 432 candidates are standing across Essex — an increase of almost 25% on 2021 — representing fourteen different parties as well as a number of independents. Voters in the Broomfield and The Walthams ward will receive two ballot papers — a white one for the Essex County Council election and a lilac one for a Chelmsford City Council by-election. Remember to bring photo ID to your polling station.