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UK Parliamentary elections

The next UK Parliamentary general election must be held by June 2010. UK Parliamentary by-elections occur when a seat becomes vacant between general elections. For further information on the timing of UK Parliamentary general elections and UK Parliamentary by-elections, please read the House of Commons research paper (PDF).

Guidance to support (Acting) Returning Officers and electoral administrators

We have developed guidance for (Acting) Returning Officers on managing a UK Parliamentary by-election:

RO manual - Part A - Context (PDF)

RO manual - Part B - Preparing for a UK Parliamentary election (PDF)

RO manual - Part C - Action before the poll (PDF)

RO manual - Part D - Absent voting (PDF)

RO manual - Part E - The poll (PDF)

RO manual - Part F - Verification and count (PDF)

RO manual - Part G - After the declaration of result (PDF)

Guidance for candidates and agents at UK Parliamentary by-elections

Advice for candidates and agents (PDF)

We also provide forms for candidates and agents

Guidance for polling station staff

Polling station handbook (PDF)

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