Ahead of the local government elections in May 2027, we want to update you on our plans for publishing updated guidance and supporting resources for ROs and those who want to stand for election.
Guidance for Returning Officers
We are currently updating our core guidance and resources for Returning Officers to support preparations for the May polls. The guidance will be published in November in our web-based HTML format and is being updated to reflect the new legislative provisions.
To support you with planning for the May 27 polls now, we have already updated and published the project plan, risk register and timetable for the scheduled polls. We aim to publish the other supporting resources by the end of November.
We will be following our usual process for ordering polling station handbooks. An order form link will be circulated in December, with orders finalised in January, for delivery in March 2027.
Guidance for candidates and agents
We will be publishing our updated guidance and resources for candidates and agents in November. Again, these updates are minor amendments that have been identified as part of the feedback from the polls.
We are also developing an animated guide to support the completion of nomination papers at local government elections. This resource can be used to complement your briefings and local guidance and support for candidates and agents. We’ll be launching this later this year, and we will notify you through the Bulletin when it’s available.
We will keep you updated on progress of all of our guidance updates through the Bulletin as usual, but in the meantime, if you have any queries, or need any further support, please contact the Wales team at [email protected].