Essex County Council Elections 7 May 2026
Full guidance on how to stand for the elections can be found on the Electoral Commission website.
The guidance covers eligibility:
- How to stand
- Permitted expenditure
- The campaign
- Your rights
- What happens after the declaration of the result
- Find guidance and resources for candidates and agents on the Electoral Commission website
You can find more information about Essex County Council, including being an Essex County Councillor on the county council's website. On this page you can find information including a recording of a prospective candidate event, a candidate guide and other useful information. The county council are holding a further session for candidates on Friday 10 April, 12:00-13:30 online via Zoom, after nominations have closed, to register for this event visit: Registration for 2026 Essex County Council Prospective Candidate Event.
Briefing for candidates and agents
A briefing session will be held on Tuesday 14 April 2026 online, via Teams, at 4pm.
This session will cover key information on the election timetable and legal requirements. Please email elections@maldon.gov.uk to register your interest.
Essex County Council have held two prospective candidate events focusing on what it means to be an Essex County councillor.
Here is the link to the recording of the online session on 25 February 2026.
Forms
The complete nomination pack can be downloaded for completion. Guidance is available on the Electoral Commission website. Once completed please contact the Elections team to arrange an appointment to deliver your completed form.
If you require a copy of the electoral register and or postal register please complete and return the forms linked in point 3, to elections@maldon.gov.uk
- Nomination paper for county council elections -pdf; OR
- Nomination paper for county council elections - word document
- Request for electoral register and postal registers
Annotated nomination templates
Candidates and agents can use this fully annotated nomination templates as a guide when completing county council nomination papers.
They are not official nomination forms. Candidates must use the statutory forms issued by the Electoral Commission. The annotated forms explain what each box means and what to write.
Postal vote opening sessions
The date postal vote packs are sent out and opened are set out in the timetable.
All candidates and election agents are entitled to attend postal vote opening sessions. They are also entitled to appoint up to two postal vote agents to observe. At least 48 hours’ notice must be given to the Returning Officer if anyone wishes to attend by email: elections@maldon.gov.uk
Verification and Count
Please note that candidates and election agents may attend the count. The Elections Manager will provide more details to individuals after close of nominations.
Post-election declaration form and expenses return
After the election, all candidates must complete and return two forms, whether any cost was incurred or not. These forms can be found here on the Electoral Commission website
This is a legal requirement. Candidates can appoint a separate election agent, the agent must also complete a declaration form.
The Proper Officer for electoral purposes takes receipt of these returns and holds them on deposit for 2 years from the date of the poll. Any queries on their completion should be directed to the Electoral Commission who publish a spending and donations guide.
You can view or download information from the Electoral Commission, for:
For Parish and Town Council elections please print and complete the parish nomination form.
For local district elections please print and complete the district nomination form.
Once completed please contact the Elections team to arrange an appointment to deliver your completed form.