Community council elections in Wales
Guidance update
The guidance on this page is being updated into our web-based format. The updated guidance will include the legislative amendments required for the next set of scheduled polls in 2027. Plans for publication of the updated guidance will be communicated via the EA Bulletin.
You should continue to refer to this published guidance for any by-elections held prior to 6 May 2027.
Please contact the Electoral Commission Wales team via [email protected] if you require any assistance.
Guidance and resources that you need if you are a candidate at a community council election in Wales
Useful information
Click here for guidance for standing in other election
For instructions on how to use this guidance and who does what at these elections read the overview below.
Click here for the generic timetable for use at local government by-elections in Wales (DOC)
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 agents to observe electoral processes
- 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 agents to observe electoral processes
- What happens if a candidate dies?
Candidate spending
This part covers:
- How much you can spend
- The activities covered by the rules
- 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