Guidance and resources that you need if you are a candidate or agent at a local government election in England

An overview document gives instructions on how to use this guidance and who does what at these elections.

Disability expenses

Our spending guidance (Part 3) refers to changes to the law that we expected to happen before the regulated period began.

These changes came into force on 23 February 2019. Costs which are reasonably attributable to the candidate’s disability now do not count as candidate spending.

 

Part 1

Can you stand for election?

This part covers:

  • Qualifications for standing for election
  • Disqualifications from standing for election 
Candidate guide - local elections in England and Wales (part 1/6)

Part 2a

Standing as an independent candidate

This part covers:

  • Completing and submitting your nomination papers
  • Being nominated in more than one ward
  • What happens after the close of nominations?
  • Appointing your election agent and other agents
  • What happens if a candidate dies?
Candidate guide - local elections in England (part 2a/6)

Part 2b

Standing as a party candidate

This part covers:

  • Completing and submitting your nomination papers
  • Nomination in more than one ward
  • What happens after the close of nominations
  • Appointing your election agent and other agents
  • What happens if a candidate dies?
Candidate guide - local elections in England (part 2b/6)

Part 3

Spending and donations

This part covers:

  • How much you can spend
  • The activities covered by the rules
  • Which donations you can accept
  • How to check donations you receive
  • What information needs to be recorded and reported

Part 3: Spending and donations - England May 2020 (PDF)

 

Part 4

The campaign

This part covers:

  • Campaigning dos and don'ts
  • Using the electoral register and absent voters' lists
  • Using schools and rooms for public meetings
  • Imprints on campaign publicity material
  • Polling day dos and don'ts
  • Reporting allegations of electoral malpractice
Candidate guide - local elections in England and Wales (part 4/6)

Part 5

Your right to attend key electoral events

This part covers:

  • Attending the opening of postal votes and what to expect
  • Attending polling stations and what to expect
  • Attending the count and what to expect
Candidate guide - local elections in England and Wales (part 5/6)

Part 6

After the declaration of results

This part covers:

  • Making the declaration of acceptance of office
  • Access to election paperwork
  • Submitting your spending returns and declarations
  • Questioning the result through an election petition
Candidate guide - local elections in England and Wales (part 6/6)