The original version of each completed document must be submitted.
The nomination form, home address form and consent to nomination must be delivered by hand.1
This includes delivery by courier.
Certificates of authorisation and emblem request forms may be delivered by hand or by post, but cannot be delivered by email or other electronic means.2
This is because a document that is printed out is not an original document – it would be a copy document.
For a document to become a certificate (as required for a Certificate of Authorisation), it requires a method of authentication. In most cases, the authentication takes the form of a signature to attest the truth of the facts stated. A seal could also be used.
Whatever method of authentication is used, the document delivered must be the original document. A copy document is not acceptable.3
You should take steps to communicate the requirements relating to delivery of nomination papers to all prospective candidates and agents, and ensure that these requirements are highlighted in any briefings or guidance you produce.
Once a nomination paper has been formally delivered, no changes can be subsequently made to it (subject to your power to correct minor errors). At the point of formal submission you should therefore endorse the paper with the date and time of delivery, so that you have a record of when each paper was formally submitted. If a candidate later decides that they want to make changes, for example to the description, they should withdraw their candidature and then submit new nomination papers within the statutory timeframe.