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Home Page > Council and democracy > Elections & Electoral Registration
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How can I stand for Election?

 

CAN I STAND TO BE A COUNCILLOR?

 

You may stand as a councillor if you fill the following requirements:

1. You are 18 or over on the day that you deliver your nomination papers.

2. You are a British, Irish Republic, Commonwealth or Other Member State or the European Union Citizen.

3. You are a currently registered local government elector in the local authority areas for both nomination day and day of election.

4. You have lived in the local authority area during the whole of the 12 months before the day you are nominated and election day.

5. Your main or only place of working during the 12 months before the day you are nominated and election day has been in the local authority area.

6. You have occupied, either as an owner or tenant, any land or premises in the local authority area during the whole of the 12 months before the day you are nominated and election day.

 

 

ARE THERE ANY RESTRICTION ON STANDING AS A CANIDATE?

 

You may not stand as a candidate if any of the following apply:

1. You are employed by the local authority you wish to be elected to or hold a politically restricted post with another authority.

2. You are subject to a bankruptcy order or interim order.

3. You have been sentenced to a prison term (whether suspended or not) of three months or more, without the option of paying a fine, that falls within five years of the date of the election or since the election.

Most candidates are nominated through a political party. However you are able to stand as an independent candidate.

 

 

WHAT IS THE ELECTION TIMETABLE?

 

Each election has it own timetable that includes deadline dates and times for receipt of documents by The Returning Officer. These dates and times are very important. Listed below are some of the important days that will be included in the timetable.

  • Notice of Election
  • Deadline for Nominations
  • Deadline for receipt of appointment of agents
  • Close of Postal / Proxy vote applications

 

POLLING DAYDEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF ELECTION EXPENSE RETURNS

 

Timetables are available from Electoral Services by either telephoning 01664 502400 or email electoralservices@melton.gov.uk

 

 

WHERE DO I GET THE NOMINATION PAPERS FROM?

 

Once an election is imminent and you have read the above and are satisfied that you meet the criteria for being a candidate you will need to complete a set of Nomination forms and submit them to the Returning Officer for Melton Borough Council by the date on the timetable. The documents you will have to complete are as follows:

 

1. A Nomination paper. This has to be signed by 10 local government electors from the area in which you are standing in. If you are standing as a parish councillor your form only needs signing by 2 local government electors.

2. Candidates Consent to Nomination. Fill in all sections remembering to put on your own elector number and registered reference letter. Have your form witnessed.

3. If you wish to stand as a party candidate you will need to fill out an authorisation form and get permission from the party concerned if you wish to use their emblem on the ballot papers. You can also stand as an independent candidate.

 

For a comprehensive guide on standing as a candidate there is a guide complied by The Electoral Commision, which is available from their web site; http://www.electoralcommission.gov.uk/

Nomination packs are available from Electoral Services either by phoning 01664 502400 or emailing electoralservices@melton.gov.uk

 

 

WHAT IF I CHANGE MY MIND AND DO NOT WANT TO STAND?

 

If you have lodged your nomination but decide that you no longer wish to stand you can withdraw you nomination. This has to be done by a certain time. Please check your timetable to find out the exact date.

 

 

WHAT HAPPENS ONCE I HAVE HAD MY NOMINATION ACCEPTED?

 

You will be sent a letter confirming that you stand validly nominated. You may wish to appoint an election agent. The Electoral Commissions guide explains the roll of the election agent. You can act as your own agent and unless the Returning Officers receive your election agents details by the deadline you will have to represent yourself.

 

 

CAN I CLAIM FOR WHAT I SPEND ON BY CAMPAIGN?

 

You have to account for all your expenditure at the end of the election by submitting return of expenses forms within 35 days. The amount you spend on your campaign is determined by the number of electors in your area. You will be allowed to spend £600 plus an additional 5p per entry on the register of electors for the electoral area. You are not able to reclaim any money you spend.

 

Electoral Commission

 

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