After the close of nominations you must publish a statement of persons nominated and a notice of poll.1
For details on what these notices should contain and steps you should take when proofing, see our guidance on production of notices.
As you will now know which candidates are standing in your area, it is important to revisit your project plan, risk register and plan for the management of polling stations and count. You should check whether they are still suitable or if any amendments are needed to ensure that processes run smoothly, safely and efficiently.
Factors to consider could include the number of candidates standing, the level of experience that the candidates and the political parties represented have of standing for election and their knowledge of electoral processes, as well as any local risks or issues that could require specific management at polling stations or the count.
Where you have made arrangements to do so, you should forward the email and phone contact details of candidates standing in the election to the Force Elected-Official Adviser (FEOA). You should ensure that candidates are aware of how their information will be used and provide them with the opportunity to opt out if necessary. For more information, see our guidance on working with your local police force.
Uncontested elections
The election is uncontested if either:
only one valid nomination is received
all valid nominations are properly withdrawn by the deadline except one
If the election is uncontested, you must publish the statement of persons nominated as soon as practicable declaring the one validly nominated candidate elected.2
You should then return the writ with the details of the successful candidate. No poll is necessary.