Local council elections
The local council elections will take place on Thursday 4 May 2023.
Key dates
You must have registered to vote to be able to vote in these elections. The last day to register to vote is Monday 17 April 2023.
If you are registered you will receive your poll card, which will be delivered between 24 March and 31 March 2023. Your poll card will look different this year - it will be A4 size and delivered in an envelope. The poll card is for information only and you do not need it to be able to vote.
Polling stations will be open 7am to 10pm on Thursday 4 May 2023. If you can’t or don’t want to go to the polling station we encourage you to apply early for a postal vote.
With a postal vote, we will send the ballot papers for you to complete in the post. The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on Tuesday 18 April 2023. Ballot papers will be sent out on Wednesday 19 April 2023.
With a proxy vote, you can appoint someone to go to your polling station to vote on your behalf. The deadline to apply for a proxy vote is 5pm on Tuesday 25 April 2023.
If you do not have any ID for the new voter security measures, the deadline to apply for a voter authority certificate is 5pm on Tuesday 25 April 2023.
You can apply for a postal or proxy vote on our how to vote page
New voter ID
The government have introduced new voter security measures, so for the first time you will have to show photo ID at the polling station.
Acceptable ID will include a:
- passport
- photo driving licence
- national concessionary bus pass
You can find a full list of acceptable photo ID on GOV.UK.
The full list will also be included on the back of your poll card.
If you do not have any of the ID required, you can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate.
Polling stations
Your polling station details will be on your poll card and you can also check your station online.
Candidate information
If you are interested in standing as a candidate for any election within Harlow, you should register your interest by emailing registration@harlow.gov.uk
The notice of election will be published on 24 March 2023.
We can receive nomination papers any working day between 9am and 4pm from 24 March 2023 to 4pm on 4 April 2023 by appointment only - call 01279 446038 to arrange an appointment.
We will publish the list of candidates on 4 April 2023.
You can find guidance on how to stand as a candidate on the Electoral Commission’s website.