Guidance for Candidates and Agents at Local Authority Mayoral elections in England

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Content of Election Address

An election address can only contain matter relating to the election.1  

It must contain:

  • a statement that states it has been prepared by your election agent2
  • the name and address of your election agent3
  • your name and address or if you have requested not to make your home address public, the relevant electoral area as given on your home address form4

It must not:

  • contain any advertising material (other than material promoting the candidate as a candidate at the election)5
  • contain any other material appearing to be included with a view to commercial gain6
  • include any material referring to any other candidate7
  • be more than two sides of A5 paper. Where an address takes up two sides of A5 paper, you must supply a second version printed on one side of A5 paper. The Returning Officer will use this single-side version if more than 15 candidates supply an election address8

It may contain:

  • a photograph – provided you have submitted two photographs to the RO, one of which you must have signed on the back9
  • a party emblem and description – provided you have a certificate of authorisation issued by or on behalf of the Nominating Officer of the party10

For more information on the certificate of authorisation, see our guidance on the certificate of authorisation.

In all cases, your election address must comply with the RO’s requirements – including layout, margins and use of colour – so that it can be reproduced in the booklet.11  

The RO will give your election agent the opportunity to check and correct (if necessary) the content of your election address.12 However, if the agent does not use this opportunity, the RO may make any corrections they think appropriate, and may proceed with the printing and distribution of the election booklet without referring to you or your agent.13

Last updated: 4 December 2023