Guidance for Candidates and Agents at Senedd elections

If you:

• commonly use a surname or forename that is different in any respect from any other surname or forename you have
• use one or more forenames or surname in a different way from the way they are stated on your nomination form

you may state your commonly used name(s) on your nomination form in addition to your full names.1

For example, you may be known by your abbreviated name Andy, rather than your full first name Andrew. In that case, you can write Andy into the commonly used forename box on the nomination paper if you would rather that name appear on the ballot paper.

You can state that they use a commonly used forename, surname, or both.

You may also use initials as part of your commonly used name if you are commonly known by them.

The commonly used name(s) would then be included:

• on the statement of parties and persons nominated and the notice of poll
• on the ballot paper
• on the notice of election agent

Decisions on commonly used names

The Returning Officer (RO) will disallow commonly used names that are likely to mislead or confuse electors, or are obscene or offensive.2 If the name(s) are not permissible, the RO will write to you stating the reason for rejection.3 In those cases, your actual name will be used instead.

If either the commonly used forename or surname box on the nomination form is left blank, then your actual forename or surname, depending on which commonly used name box has been left blank, will be used.

It is an offence to give a false statement on your nomination form.4 Therefore if you choose to provide a commonly used name, you must ensure that it is a forename or surname which you commonly use.