Guidance for Candidates at Parish council elections in England

Commonly used name(s)

You must complete your full name on the nomination form.1   

If you:

  • commonly use a surname or forename that is different 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 or names on your nomination form in addition to your full names that you have provided.2

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 request to use a commonly used forename, surname or both.

 
Any commonly used name(s) would then appear on:

  • the statement of persons nominated
  • the notice of poll, and
  • the ballot papers

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

If either the commonly used forename or surname box on the nomination paper 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. Therefore if you choose to provide a commonly used name you must ensure that it is a forename or surname which you commonly use.

Last updated: 22 October 2024