Residents urged to register for Southend-on-Sea elections in May

April 1, 2026

Residents are being urged to get ready for the local elections on Thursday 7 May - by registering to vote by midnight on Monday 20 April.

The Government has recently announced that as part of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) from April 2028, Southend-on-Sea City Council will be replaced by a new South East Essex Council. The elections to the shadow authority which will oversee the preparation for the new unitary are scheduled for May 2027.

The local elections this year are therefore important so that residents can be assured of having their say on important issues that affect lives locally. 

Registering to vote is quick and easy and takes just 5 minutes to complete online with your National Insurance Number: https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

In 2024 just 30.74% of people in the city voted, and Southend-on-Sea City Council is urging people to register so more voices can be heard to help shape Southend-on-Sea in the local elections on Thursday 7 May.

If residents cannot or prefer not to vote in person, they can apply for a postal vote by 5pm on Tuesday 21 April and return it by post or hand it in at any polling station or at the Civic Centre by 10pm on Election Day.

Residents can also apply for a proxy vote by 5pm on Tuesday 28 April 2026. Your chosen proxy must be registered to vote and must have an accepted form of photo ID.

Southend-on-Sea City Council Returning Officer and Chief Executive, Colin Ansell, said: “As we approach the May 2026 elections, it’s important that everyone in Southend-on-Sea is registered to vote so they can have their say on the issues that matter to them. Registering only takes five minutes online with your National Insurance Number.

“With the deadline approaching, I encourage all residents, including students and anyone who has recently moved, to check they are registered.

“Voters should also make sure they have an accepted form of photo ID, as this must be shown at the polling station. Anyone who doesn’t have an accepted photo ID can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate by 5pm on Tuesday 28 April. Our electoral services team is available to help on 01702 215010 or via email elections@southend.gov.uk. Whether you’re registering for the first time or updating your details, taking these steps now will ensure you’re ready to vote in May.”

Find out more by visiting: https://www.southend.gov.uk/elections