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, the notice of poll and 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
Name to go on ballot papers
Elector
Ann
Elsie
Voter
Voter, Elsie
VOTER, Elsie
Elector
Ann
[Blank]
Voter
Voter, Ann
VOTER, Ann
Elector
Ann
Elsie
[Blank]
Elector, Elsie
ELECTOR, Elsie
Elector
Ann Jane
Ann
[Blank]
Elector, Ann
ELECTOR, Ann
Elector
Ann Jane
Jane
[Blank]
Elector, Jane
ELECTOR, Jane
Elector-Voter
Ann
[Blank]
Voter
Voter, Ann
VOTER, Ann
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 and on the ballot paper.
You should advise the candidate that the use of commonly used names applies only to the statement of persons nominated and the ballot paper. 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 paper remains unaffected. Instead, the effect is that the candidate's full name will appear on the statement of persons nominated and the ballot paper. This should be made clear to candidates and agents and you must write to the candidate setting out the reasons for refusing to allow the use of the commonly used name.