Guidance for Candidates at Parish council elections in England

Campaign publicity dos and don'ts

You must:

  • Use imprints on all your printed campaign material and any electronic campaign material that is designed to be printed off locally.1  You should ensure the imprint is clear and visible. See our guidance on using  imprints for more information.
  • Comply with planning rules relating to advertising hoardings and large banners2  – you should ask the relevant local authority for advice.
  • Make sure that outdoor posters are removed promptly after the election – you must do this within two weeks of the close of the poll.3

You should:

  • Include an imprint on all non-printed campaign material, including websites.
  • Consider how to make your campaign accessible to all voters – for example disabled voters or voters whose first language isn't English may need campaign material provided in a particular format. You may want to make contact with disability groups in your local area for advice.

You must not:

  • Produce material that looks like the poll cards sent to voters.4
  • Pay people to display your adverts (unless they display adverts as part of their normal business).5
     
Last updated: 16 October 2024