Where a candidate commonly uses a name that is different or partly different to their actual name, they can ask for their commonly used name(s) to be used instead of their actual name.
A candidate can request to use a commonly used forename, surname or both. For example, they may be known by their abbreviated name Andy, rather than their full first name Andrew. In that case, they can write Andy into the commonly used forename box on the nomination form if they would rather that name appear on the ballot paper.
A candidate may also use initials as part of their commonly used name if they are commonly known by them.
Decisions on Commonly Used Names
It is not for you, whether as CRO or RRO, to decide whether the commonly used name is a name that the candidate commonly uses. The law requires you to take whatever has been entered in the commonly used name box at face value and to accept it as the candidate’s commonly used name.
The only grounds you have in law for rejecting a commonly used name is that you consider that:1
its use may be likely to mislead or confuse electors, or
it is obscene or offensive
If at an informal check stage, you are presented with a nomination form that has been completed in such a way that it appears to you that the commonly used name given does not comply with the legislative requirements, you should draw the candidate or party’s attention to the legal definition of a commonly used name and highlight that it is an offence to knowingly make a false statement on the nomination form.
It is the candidate or party’s responsibility to ensure that they have completed their nomination in accordance with the law and to be satisfied that the given commonly used name is a name that the candidate genuinely commonly uses.
In the course of providing informal advice, you may wish to draw the Nominating Officer's or candidate’s attention as appropriate to our guidance for candidates and agents on commonly used names.