Guidance for Candidates and Agents at Combined Authority Mayoral elections

Anyone can be appointed as a polling agent, provided that they are not:

• the CARO or a local Returning Officer (LRO) or a member of their staff1
• a deputy or clerk of the CARO or a LRO, or a member of their staff2
• an officer of a local authority whose services have been placed at the disposal of the CARO or a LRO3  
• a partner or clerk of any of the above4
• anyone not entitled to vote at the election as a result of the report of an election court or a conviction for a corrupt or illegal practice under the Representation of the People Act 19835

You and your election agent can also automatically act as one of those agents without the need of an official appointment.6 Sub-agents may also attend, but only instead of the election agent.

The number of agents who may be appointed to any particular polling station is limited to four,7 or such greater number as the LRO decides to allow. If more than that number are appointed, the LRO will draw lots to determine those people who may attend. Only one polling agent for each candidate can be present in a polling station at any time, but a polling agent can be appointed to attend multiple polling stations. Your right to attend will remain unaffected by this.

Polling agents must be appointed by not later than 5 working days before the poll.8 The request to appoint polling agents must be made in writing to the LRO by you or your election agent.9 It must contain the names and addresses of the people being appointed.10 The LRO will provide forms you can use for this, or you can use the Commission’s polling agent appointment forms.

If an agent dies or becomes incapable of acting, you may appoint another agent in their place by submitting the relevant appointment form to the LRO.11 Any new appointment in these circumstances must be made without delay.