The vacancy for the Grange Hill ward on Chigwell Parish Council was formally announced on August 18.
The candidates vying for the position are Conservative Party candidate Shivaje Singh Karari and independent candidate Erika Skingsley.
The vacancy arose earlier this year, and a by-election was triggered after enough local electors requested it.
Parish councils are the smallest authorities in the current local government system in Essex, below the largest (Essex County Council) and mid-tier district, borough or city councils.
Parish councils are responsible for services such as allotments, play areas, village halls, public toilets and control of litter. They are also consulted about planning applications in their area.
