Joint Statement from Braintree District Council and Essex County Council: Poll cards error for Essex County Council elections on 7 May 2026 within the Braintree district division.
“We are aware that that the poll cards issued by Braintree District Council for the Essex County Council elections taking place on 7 May – that is for all ECC electoral divisions within the Braintree district – include an error. The poll cards should say that they are for the Essex County Council elections but instead refer to ‘election of councillors to Braintree District Council’.
“The poll cards do correctly tell voters the name of their electoral area (misdescribed as a ward not a division) and the date, time and place when they can vote.
“The May 7 elections are for Essex County Council. Braintree District Council and Essex County Council apologise for any confusion. The matter is being investigated by Braintree DC and their print supplier so we can ensure it does not happen again.
"The poll card is just notification that an election is taking place. You don’t need to take it to the polling station. No one’s right to vote is affected by this error. Anyone with any concerns should contact elections@essex.gov.uk.”