EA Bulletin: 438 England

Further to bulletin 433 and the launch of the new Code of Practice and guidance for accredited electoral observers, we wanted to update you that we have also published a one page set of Do’s and Don’ts for those observing at polling stations on May 7.

These summarise the legal requirements and expected behaviours of those observing, including the importance of following the directions of electoral officials and of reporting irregularities or suspected fraud to electoral officials as soon as they arise.

The Do’s and Don’ts resource has been shared with all accredited observers and observer organisations and was flagged as part of recent meetings with key observer organisations and our briefings for those planning on observing on polling day. These meetings and briefings covered the electoral observation process in full and the expectations on observer behaviour, which have been agreed to by the groups we have engaged with. You may find it helpful to include a copy of the observer Do’s and Don’ts in your polling station material for staff for easy reference on polling day.

We are keen to get your feedback on how the new Code, guidance and Do’s and Don’ts resource have worked in practice to support the important electoral observation process. Do please use our post poll surveys that we will share links to in a future EA Bulletin to provide any feedback you can, or get in touch with your local Commission team as helpful.

The Electoral Commission is committed to supporting candidates and agents at the local elections in England to understand the law and their post-poll obligations. We know that after polling day, completing and submitting spending returns will be a key priority and we have an upcoming webinar that may be of interest. If you are aware of any candidates and agents who may benefit from attending this webinar please forward this information to them:  

Completing your spending return  

This interactive session will provide essential information about completing and submitting candidate spending returns for the May 2026 local elections in England. There will also be the opportunity to ask questions throughout the session.  

When: Tuesday 12 May, 12:00-13:00  

Where: Microsoft Teams - Joining instructions will be sent after you register to attend.  

Registration: Complete our form. The form includes questions that will help us tailor the session to ensure it is as useful and relevant as possible.