HARLOW residents will go to the polls tomorrow (Thursday 7 May 2026) to vote in the Harlow Council and Essex County Council elections.

In the Harlow Council elections, 11 of the 33 seats are being contested, with one councillor elected in each ward.

For Essex County Council, all 78 seats are up for election across the county, including five in Harlow. One councillor will be elected in each of the following Harlow divisions:

• Harlow Common and Church Langley
• Harlow Netteswell
• Harlow Parndon and Toddbrook
• Harlow South West
• Old Harlow

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm. Voters can find their polling station on their polling card, although this is not required to vote. It can also be checked online at: https://selfserve.harlow.gov.uk/MyTown

Photo ID required

Voters must show an accepted form of photo ID before receiving their ballot paper. Accepted ID includes:

• Driving licence
• Passport
• Blue Badge
• PASS card (National Proof of Age Standards Scheme)
• Biometric residence permit (BRP)
• Defence Identity Card (MOD form 90)
• Certain national identity cards
• Certain travel passes

A full list is available at: https://www.gov.uk/how-to-vote/photo-id-youll-need

Support for voters

Voters who need assistance can bring someone aged 18 or over to help them, or ask the Presiding Officer, who is legally required to maintain voter secrecy.

Polling station staff, identifiable by badges, are available to help. Equipment such as large print ballot papers, magnifiers, tactile voting devices, and seating is also available.

More information

For updates, including full election results once declared, visit: https://www.harlow.gov.uk/voting-and-elections/latest-election-news