A number of elections are being held from parish councils to the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner.
Here is a rundown of where council elections are taking place across the county.
Essex County Council
As it stands the county council is Conservative-led, with the party having 52 councillors.
The Lib Dems have eight, Labour six, there are seven non-aligned councillors, one indepedent and there is one vacancy.
Essex’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner
Four candidates are battling to become Essex’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner.
Commissioners are responsible for overseeing both police forces and fire services.
Basildon Council
Elections for a borough councillor in 14 of the borough's 16 Wards will be held on Thursday.