| Print full guidance

Publishing the notice of poll

If the election is contested you must publish a notice of poll for the combined authority area by no later than the sixth working day before poll.1

The notice of poll must state:

  • the date and hours of the poll2  
  • the particulars of the candidates remaining validly nominated, and the order of the names must be the same as in the statement of persons nominated3  
  • the names of all persons subscribing a candidate’s nomination paper4

Legislation requires the particulars of the candidates on the notice of poll to be the same as on the statement of persons nominated. You must ensure that where a has chosen to have their home address withheld from the ballot paper and statement of persons nominated, the home address must not be included on the notice of poll either.5

Your privacy notice should make clear that you are required under electoral legislation to publish a candidate’s name and address, and the names of subscribers, in the notice of poll. You can find more information in our guidance on data protection.

It is not a legal requirement for the notice of poll to be published locally by local ROs. However, you should still take steps to ensure that a copy is published in each constituent council, including by ensuring that local ROs either provide a link from their website to the notice you have published, or provide a copy directly on their website so that all electors in the combined authority can easily access it. 

You should also provide a copy to all candidates and agents as soon as practicable after its publication.

We have published a template notice of poll that you can use for the combined authority mayoral election.

Last updated: 24 April 2024