Guidance for Candidates at Parish council elections in England

When must nomination papers be submitted? 

You should submit your nomination papers as early as possible to give you sufficient time to submit new nomination papers should your first set contain any errors.

Usually, nomination papers can only be delivered during normal office hours. The RO will confirm the exact details of when and where they can be delivered on the notice of election.

The notice of election will be published no later than 25 working days before the poll and will state the earliest date on which you can submit nomination papers.1

In most cases, the notice of election will be published on the website of the local authority in which the parish is situated.

After you have submitted your nomination papers you will be sent a notice by the Returning Officer to let you know whether or not your nomination is valid.2

If, after you have submitted your nomination papers you change your mind and no longer want to stand for election, you can withdraw, provided you do so by 4pm, 19 working days before the poll.3

Last updated: 1 December 2023