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Tips for proof checking

Guidance to support your staff with proof checking election materials should include instructions to check that:

  • all details are spelt correctly
  • electors’ names and addresses are accurate and match the electoral register/absent voting lists
  • materials being sent to electors are correct for them (e.g. the ballot paper is for their electoral area; postal proxies are being sent postal proxy poll cards)
  • correct deadlines are included where relevant (e.g. for postal/proxy applications on poll cards)
  • where a form is prescribed, that it meets the prescribed requirements
  • any instructions included are for the correct election and voting system

For ballot papers, you should also check that:

  • the directions for printing have been followed
  • the official mark and unique identifying mark are correct1
  • the ballot papers include the details of all validly nominated parties and individual candidates for the particular electoral area; including that:
    • candidate names (or commonly used name(s) where relevant) are correct
    • where relevant, party names, descriptions and emblems are correct and as registered on the Commission’s register of political parties and include the word Wales, Welsh, Cymru or Cymreig if the party has chosen to use it
    • instructions at the top of the ballot paper is correct 

The contents of the postal vote pack are prescribed and you should ensure that all the relevant details have been included on those materials. You should also check that the postal voting statement(s) include:

  • the correct ballot number(s) are printed
  • the voting instructions are the correct ones for the electoral area 
Last updated: 28 April 2026