Local elections in England
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Guidance and resources that you need if you are a candidate or agent at a local government election in England
The UK government has made legislation to reduce the number of subscribers that are required by each candidate for elections taking place on 6 May 2021. We have updated the guidance and resources on this page accordingly. |
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We have issued supplementary guidance to support candidates and agents participating in the May 2021 polls during the coronavirus pandemic:
An overview document gives instructions on how to use this guidance and who does what at these elections.
We have produced a timetable with all of the relevant deadlines for the 6 May 2021 local government elections, which can be viewed here:
Part 1
Can you stand for election?
This part covers:
- Qualifications for standing for election
- Disqualifications from standing for election
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?
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?
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 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
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
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