Guidance for Candidates and Agents at local government elections in England

Polling day dos and don’ts

You should:

You must not:

  • campaign near polling stations in a way that could be seen by voters as aggressive or intimidating (for example, large groups of supporters carrying banners, or vehicles with loudspeakers or heavily branded with campaign material).
  • breach the requirements on secrecy of the ballot.1 This is an essential part of any modern democracy and breaches are taken seriously.
  • seek to identify and publicise how votes have been marked on individual ballot papers, particularly if you (or your agents) attend postal vote opening sessions. 
  • publish exit polls or any other data based on information given by people about how they voted after they have cast their vote, including a postal vote, before the close of poll.2
Last updated: 8 April 2024