Guidance for Candidates and Agents at Police and Crime Commissioner elections

Appointing polling agents

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

  • the PARO, a Local Returning Officer (LRO) or a member of their staff (including any clerks appointed specifically for the election)1
  •  a deputy or clerk of the PARO, LRO or a member of their staff2
  • an officer of a local authority whose services have been placed at the disposal of the PARO or 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
  • anyone convicted or reported of a corrupt or illegal practice under the 2012 Order6
     

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

The number of agents who may be appointed to any particular polling station is limited to four, or such greater number as the LRO decides to allow.7 If more than that number are appointed, the LRO will draw lots to determine those people who may attend.7 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, your election agent’s right and the right of sub-agents to attend will remain unaffected by this.

Polling agents must be appointed by not later than the fifth working day before the poll.7 The request to appoint polling agents must be made in writing to the relevant LRO by you or your agent. It must contain the names and addresses of the people being appointed.7 The LRO will provide forms you can use for this, or you can use the Commission’s polling agent appointment form.

 

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 relevant LRO. Any new appointment in these circumstances must be made without delay.7  
 

Last updated: 13 November 2024