Local elections in England
Guidance and resources that you need if you are a candidate or agent at a local government election in England
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The UK government has made legislation to reduce the number of subscribers that are required by each candidate for some elections. We have updated the guidance and resources on this page accordingly. Please note that this legislation does not impact local government elections in Wales. Any candidate standing in by-elections taking place in Wales will still require the usual number of subscribers as outlined in the guidance. |
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We have issued supplementary guidance to support candidates and agents participating in 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 5 May 2022 local government elections, which can be viewed here:
We have also produced a document for people who want to know the basics about elections, the roles of different organisations and where to find more information.
Can you stand for election?
This part covers:
- Qualifications for standing for election
- Disqualifications from standing for election
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?
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?
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
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
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
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