Understanding political ads, leaflets and campaign messages

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Getting messages to voters is an important part of the democratic process. Candidates, political parties and campaigners need to communicate with you to explain their views and policies, so that you’re informed when you vote.

Candidates, political parties and campaigners can ask for access to the full electoral register. This data allows them to:

  • see who is eligible to vote in their area
  • send campaign material such as leaflets or flyers to voters

Some social media platforms and websites have tools that political campaigners can use to tailor online ads to your interests.

These resources will give you more information about the rules on campaigning.

How your data is used in election campaigns

Candidates, political parties and campaigners sometimes use data about voters to support their campaigning activities.

Engaging with campaign material at elections

Find out how to engage with campaign material and who to contact if you have questions about information you’ve seen or heard.

Rules about campaigning and media on polling day

Find out more about the rules about campaigning on polling day

Campaigning tactics

In the run up to an election, candidates, parties and campaigners use different tactics to try and influence how you vote.

Who produced this campaign material?

Find out how to know who is responsible for producing campaign material.

Claims made in campaign material

Find out who you can contact about claims made in campaign material.

Spending on campaign material

Understand who has paid for campaign material and the spending limits ahead of an election.

Abuse and intimidation

Campaigning is a vital part of the democratic process. Abuse and intimidation of campaigners is unacceptable.

What regulators are responsible for

A number of regulators have remits that cover different aspects of election campaigning.