In the event of the death of a candidate during the election period, the procedure to be followed at a combined authority mayoral election depends on the time when you receive proof of the death of the candidate. It is the time when you receive proof of the candidate’s death that is the relevant factor, not the actual time of death.
Proof of death received before polls open
If proof of the death of a validly nominated candidate at a contested election is received before the opening of the poll, you must countermand the notice of poll and the poll does not take place.1
A new election must be held.2
Proof of death received after polls have opened and before the declaration of result
If proof of the death of a validly nominated candidate at a contested election is received after the opening of the poll but before the declaration of result, you must direct that the poll is abandoned3
and a new election must be held.4
In this instance, because the poll will have started, the documentation (i.e. issued and un-issued ballot papers, etc.) must be returned to the relevant Returning Officer and sealed up in the normal way.5
Any postal votes received back must also be sealed in packets and any envelopes not opened at the time of the notification of the death must be sealed in packets unopened.6
Timetable for the new election due to the death of a candidate
In the event that a new election is required where the poll has been countermanded or abandoned due to a candidate’s death, we will be available to support you in identifying and taking the appropriate actions.