Reproducing commonly used names on election material
The table below contains a number of worked examples of various combinations of commonly used names and how this would affect the appearance of the candidate’s name on the statement of persons nominated or the statement of persons and parties nominated (as appropriate) and, in the case of constituency candidates and individual regional candidates, the ballot paper.
Candidate’s actual surname
Candidate’s other names in full
Commonly used forenames
Commonly used surname
Name to go on statement of persons nominated or statement of persons and parties nominated (as appropriate)
Name to go on the ballot paper (constituency candidates and individual regional candidates only)
Elector
Ann
Elsie
Voter
Voter, Elsie
VOTER, Elsie
Elector
Ann
[Blank]
Voter
Voter, Ann
VOTER, Ann
Elector
Ann
Elsie
[Blank]
Elector, Elsie
ELECTOR, Elsie
The names of candidates on a party list do not appear on the ballot paper but they will appear on a notice which must be displayed in all polling stations and sent to all postal voters.1
It will show the names of all candidates on each party list, followed by the names of the individual regional candidates as given on the statement of persons and parties nominated.
If either the commonly used forenames or commonly used surname box is left blank, then the candidate’s actual forenames or surname, depending on which commonly used name box has been left blank, will go on the statement of persons nominated or the statement of persons and parties nominated (as appropriate) and the ballot paper (where appropriate).
You should advise the candidate or for regional purposes the party that the use of commonly used names applies only to the statement of persons nominated or the statement of persons and parties nominated (as appropriate) and the ballot paper (where appropriate). The candidate’s actual name should appear on any documents that are required to show the candidate’s name, such as the imprint and candidate’s spending returns.
If you refuse the use of a commonly used name, the validity of the nomination form remains unaffected. Instead, the effect is that the candidate's full name will appear on the statement of persons nominated or the statement of persons or parties nominated (as appropriate) and, in the case of constituency candidates and individual regional candidates, on the ballot paper. This should be made clear to candidates, parties and agents and you must write to the candidate setting out the reasons for refusing to allow the use of the commonly used name.2