Guidance for Candidates and Agents at Senedd elections

If a candidate on the party list:

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

they may state their commonly used name(s) on the nomination form in addition to their full names.1
  
For example, they may be known by their abbreviated name Andy, rather than their full first name Andrew. In that case, they can write Andy into the commonly used forename box on the nomination paper if they would rather that name appear on the ballot paper.

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

A candidate may also use initials as part of their commonly used name if they are commonly known by them.

The commonly used name(s) would 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 the candidate stating the reason for rejection.3 In those cases, the candidate’s actual name will be used instead.

If either the commonly used forename or surname box on the nomination form is left blank, then the candidate’s 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 the nomination form.4 Therefore if the candidate chooses to provide a commonly used name, they must ensure that it is a forename or surname which they commonly use.