Guidance for Candidates at Parish council elections in England

During the campaign, you must not…

  • Knowingly make a false statement about the personal character of another candidate.1
  • Pay canvassers.2 Canvassing means trying to persuade an elector to vote for or against a particular candidate or party.

More information on election offences and how to report these can be found in our guidance on offences.

If you have made a mistake and have acted in contravention of the rules, you can apply for relief from the consequences of having made a mistake. See our guidance on what to do if you have made a mistake for more information.

For polls on or after 2 May 2024

The Elections Act 2022 introduced legislation which restricts the handling of postal voting documents by campaigners. The legislation will be in force for polls held on or after 2 May 2024.
 
You will need to make sure your supporters are aware that it is an offence to handle completed ballot papers or postal ballot packs for voters who are not close family or someone they care for and to follow the Code of conduct for campaigners in Great Britain. This will help them to avoid situations where their honesty or integrity could be questioned.

 

Diweddarwyd ddiwethaf: 20 Rhagfyr 2023