What elections are taking place in 2026?
On Thursday 7 May 2026 local government elections will be held to elect councillors to Southend-on-Sea City Council.
The local election gives voters the opportunity to vote for a councillor for the ward they live in.
There are 51 councillors representing 17 wards in Southend-on-Sea and one councillor will be voted in to represent each ward. This is because in Southend-on-Sea elections are held by thirds. This means that a third of councillors are up for election every year over a four-year cycle, with one year where there are no elections.
Details of who you can vote for will be on your ballot paper. We will upload a list of candidates standing for election by 4pm on Friday 10 April.
Leigh Town Council elections
A Notice of Election will also be published for Leigh Road ward (2 seats), and St Clement's ward (1 seat).
If the elections are contested, they will take place on Thursday 7 May 2026 and details of who you can vote for will be on your ballot paper.
We will upload a list of candidates standing for election by 4pm on Friday 10 April.
The Notice of Election for elections taking place on Thursday 7 May will be published on Friday 27 March 2026.