Information for candidates
Becoming a candidate
Nomination papers for the Leigh ward by-election of Southend-on-Sea City Council are available here. If you would like to speak to us about completing your nomination forms, please email nominations@southend.gov.uk or call 01702 534814.
Please visit The Electoral Commission website for information on becoming a local government candidate. There is also a short presentation available.
If you would like more information or would like to speak to us about standing as a candidate in local elections, please email nominations@southend.gov.uk or call 01702 534814.
Candidates, agents and campaigners should refer to the Code of Conduct for Campaigners at UK Parliamentary general elections in Great Britain, local elections in England and Police and Crime Commissioner Elections.
This Code provides a guide for campaigners, electoral administrators and police forces to what is, and is not, acceptable behaviour at polling stations and in the community during the lead-up to polling day.
Please note Nominations for local elections will close at 4pm on Friday 13 November.
Notices and forms
- The register to be used for nominations is the register published on 2 November 2026 Register request form
- Absent voters list request form
- Nomination pack for local government elections
Postal vote issue and opening
Postal votes should be dispatched from Tuesday 24 November.
Opening of postal votes will take place on Tuesday 8, Wednesday 9, Thursday 10 December. The final opening will be following close of poll on Thursday 10 December in the Charter Suite, Civic Centre, Southend-on-Sea.
Election agents and candidates must provide the details of anyone who will be coming into observe this process by emailing nominations@southend.gov.uk.
Full details regarding the arrangements for opening of postal votes will be provided to candidates/agents following close of nominations.