UK Parliamentary general election in Northern Ireland
Guidance and resources for candidates and agents at the UK Parliamentary general election in Northern Ireland
An overview document gives instructions on how to use this guidance and who does what at these elections
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.
We have produced a timetable with all of the relevant deadlines for the 12 December UK Parliamentary general election in Northern Ireland which can be viewed here:
Guidance about harassment and intimidation
Robust political debate is part of a healthy democracy, but sometimes things can go too far.
The National Police Chiefs Council, working with the Crown Prosecution Service and the Electoral Commission, have produced two guidance documents for candidates and campaigners, to help you understand when behaviour goes beyond political debate and may be unlawful.
There is a short guide called ‘When things go too far’ which provides general advice, and a longer ‘Joint guidance for candidates in elections’ which provides more detail as to the nature of possible offences.
If you feel that behaviour towards you may be unlawful or are concerned for your safety or that of others, you should always contact the police.
Great Britain
If you are a candidate or agent in Great Britain you should refer to our Guidance for candidates and agents at the UK Parliamentary general election in Great Britain.
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 in 2019
This part covers:
- The types of election spending
- The regulated period
- What candidate spending is
- Managing candidate spending
- Splitting candidate spending
- Recording and reporting spending
The campaign
This part covers:
- Campaigning dos and don'ts
- Using the electoral register and absent voters' lists
- 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 issue and 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