Local elections 2026

By-Elections 23 July 2026 - Information for Voters

By-elections for vacancies in the Grays Town ward and Grays Riverside ward will take place in Thurrock on Thursday 23rd July 2026. This page explains how to vote, who can vote, and all key deadlines.

 

Key dates

  • Register to vote: Tuesday 7th July 2026 (midnight)

  • Apply for a postal vote: Wednesday 8th July 2026 (5pm)

  • Apply for a proxy vote: Wednesday 15th July 2026 (5pm)

  • Apply for an emergency proxy: Between Wednesday 15th July (5pm) and Thursday 23rd July 2026 (5pm)

  • Apply for a Voter Authority Certificate: Wednesday 15th July 2026 (5pm)

  • Polling day: Thursday 23rd July 2026 (7am to 10pm)

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Grays Riverside Ward and Grays Town Ward has 1 vacancy each. You will be required to choose one candidate on your ballot paper. 

 

Who can vote

You can vote in the Grays Town and Grays Riverside by-elections if you:

  • - are registered to vote in the relevant ward

  • - are 18 or over on polling day

  • - live in the UK and are a British, Irish, qualifying Commonwealth or qualifying EU citizen

  • - are not legally excluded from voting

 

Register to vote

You must register by midnight on Tuesday 7th July 2026.

Apply to register to vote on GOV.UK

If you are already registered, you do not need to register again unless you move or change your name.

 

Poll cards and polling stations

Poll cards will be delivered to those addresses in the Grays Riverside and Grays Town Wards between Thursday 25 June and Sunday 5 July 2026.

You do not need your poll card to vote but taking it can help staff find your details.

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on 23 July 2026.

Your poll card shows your polling station address. You can also:

 

Voter ID

You must show photo ID to vote in person. If you do not bring accepted ID, you cannot vote.

Check accepted photo ID on GOV.UK

Expired ID is accepted if the photo still looks like you.

If your name is different on your ID, bring a document showing the change (for example a marriage certificate or deed poll).

 

Voter Authority Certificate

If you do not have accepted ID, apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate.

Apply on GOV.UK by 5pm on Wednesday 15th July 2026.

 

How to vote

You can vote:

  • - in person at a polling station

  • - by post

  • - by proxy (someone votes for you)

Voting by post

The deadline to apply is 5pm on Wednesday 8th July 2026.

Apply for a postal vote

Change or cancel an existing postal vote

 

When you will receive your postal vote

Applications received by 8 July → sent around 10 July 2026

 

Replacement postal votes

If your postal pack is lost, damaged or not received, you can request a replacement from Friday 17th July to 5pm on Thursday 23rd July.

You must contact us to check we can issue a replacement.

Use the contact form or call 01375 652652

Collect your replacement from:

Thurrock Council 
Civic Offices 
New Road 
Grays 
RM17 6SL