In the event of the death of a candidate during the election period, the procedure to be followed at a PCC election depends on the time when the PARO receives proof of the death of the candidate. It is the time when the PARO receives proof of the candidate’s death that is the relevant factor, not the actual time of death.1
Proof of death received before polls open
If proof of the death of a validly nominated candidate at a contested election is received before the opening of the poll, the notice of poll is countermanded and the poll does not take place. The PARO must hold a new election.
Proof of death received after polls have opened and before the declaration of result
If proof of the death of a validly nominated candidate at a contested election is received after the opening of the poll but before the declaration of result, the poll is abandoned. A new election must be held.
In this instance, because the poll will have started, the documentation (i.e. issued and un-issued ballot papers, etc.) must be returned to you as the Local Returning Officer and sealed up in the normal way.
Any postal votes received back must also be sealed in packets and any envelopes not opened at the time of the notification of the death must be sealed in packets unopened.
New election
The PARO will set the date of the new election. You can find more information in our guidance for PAROs.