MORE than 400 candidates are running for election to Essex County Council as residents head to the polls on 7 May 2026.

The full list of candidates can be found on the Essex County Council website.

The 432 candidates mark an almost 25% increase from the 350 who stood in the previous elections in 2021. It is also a record number of candidates for the county council’s elections.

The 2026 candidates come from fourteen different parties and include a number of independent candidates.

The number of seats on Essex County Council will rise from 75 to 78 in 2026 following 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.

Essex residents are being reminded to register to vote in the elections. The deadline to register is 11:59pm on 20 April 2026.

Poll cards are being issued telling residents where and when they can vote. More information about the elections, how to vote and what to expect at polling stations can be found at https://www.essex.gov.uk/about-council/county-council-elections

Residents are choosing the councillor who will stand for their local division and speak up for their community’s priorities.

The county 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
Voter ID is required at polling stations. Residents should check now whether they have an accepted form of ID or apply for the free Voter Authority Certificate.

Paul Turner, County Returning Officer, said: “On 7 May voters across Essex will be able to vote for the people who make decisions about important local services. Remember:

You can only vote if you’re on the register of electors. The deadline for applying to be on the register is Monday 20 April
The deadline for electors to apply for a postal vote is Monday 21 April
You can see who is standing in each area on the county council website
“I would like to encourage everyone eligible to make sure they are registered and to use their vote.”