How to register your political party

An emblem is an optional identity mark, intended to be a visual representation of the party, similar to the logo of a company. Along with a party name or description, an emblem can help voters identify the party on ballot papers. Parties can register up to three emblems. 

In order for a party candidate to use an emblem on a ballot paper, it must first be registered with the Electoral Commission.

Where an emblem is intended to be a visual representation of the party, this often takes the form of a symbol or picture. It can also contain text, and parties may choose to use an acronym, stylized fonts, or background shading to create an emblem.

If using an acronym or abbreviation, we require it to be spelled out within the emblem if it is not a well-known example like ‘UK’ or ‘NHS’.

We will not accept an emblem that is just plain text, and any submission must include a designed element to qualify as an emblem.

Emblems can only be registered in black and white or grayscale, as this is how they will be printed on ballot papers.

Emblems are printed on ballot papers at a size of 2cm². Any imagery or text within your emblem must be discernible when viewed at this size. To ensure legibility, any text within your emblem must measure at least 1.2mm in height when scaled to this size.

When submitting an emblem, make sure to crop any white space surrounding the content of the emblem, to ensure the entirety of the space is utilized.

Acceptable

Unacceptable

Imagery found on wider party material, such as leaflets, social media, or the party’s website do not need to be registered if they are not also intended to appear on ballot papers.

If submitting an application by post, your emblem should be emailed to us at [email protected]