Candidates and agents briefing

undefined
 
Candidates and agents
briefing
 
For Local Government Elections in Wyre Forest on
2
nd
 May 2024
 
Topics
 
This briefing has been updated to cover changes as
enacted by the Elections Act. It will outline:
who’s who
key dates of the election timetable
qualifications and disqualifications
nominations
agents
voter ID
postal votes
polling day
counting of votes
candidate spending
integrity issues
contacts
 
Who’s who
 
The Returning Officer 
is the person
responsible for running the elections.
 
The Returning Officer is 
Ian Miller
 
Who’s who
 
The Electoral Registration Officer  
is
responsible for maintaining the register of
electors and absent voters’ lists. The
Electoral Registration Officer is 
Ian Miller
 
Contact details are provided at the end of
the presentation
 
Who’s who
 
Deputy Returning Officer -Caroline
Newlands
 
Electoral Services Manager - Jordan
Billingham
 
Electoral Systems Officer – Caroline
Cherrington
 
Election
timetable
 
Election
timetable
(cont’d)
 
Elections in
Wyre Forest on
2 May 2024
 
Police & Crime Commissioner – First past
the post system
Police Area Returning Officer is David
Sidaway (Telford and Wrekin)
 
Kidderminster Town Council – All 6 Wards
(18 seats)
Local Town Councillors Take Office on
Tuesday 7 May 2024
 
Qualifications
 
Candidates must satisfy criteria on the day they are
nominated 
and
 on polling day:
be at least 18 years of age
be a British, qualifying Commonwealth citizen, or
national of an EU member state.
Also at least one of the following:
Registered local government elector for local
authority area
Occupied as owner or tenant any land or premises
in the local authority area during the whole 12
months preceding nomination
Principal or only place of work (including unpaid)
during last 12 months in local authority area
During the whole of those 12 months resided in the
parish or within 4.8 kilometres of it.
 
Disqualifications
 
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Point of Note
 
From 7 May 2024, EU electors will only be able to
vote at elections and referendums in England that
use the local government franchise.
 
Candidacy rights changes come into effect on 7
May – five calendar days after the scheduled May
polls
 
No changes required to nomination papers used
for 2 May polls regarding EU citizens
 
Elected EU candidates are entitled to serve their
full term
 
Submitting
Nominations
 
Nomination papers and consent forms must be
delivered by hand (post, email and fax are not
permitted)
Must be delivered in person to the reception desk
at Wyre Forest House- any nominations not
delivered as instructed will be disregarded
We are operating a prior appointment system-
please ensure you email the election inbox at
electoral@wyreforestdc.gov.uk
 
to book one
Advance informal checks are offered and strongly
encouraged
Only original documents accepted
Certificates of authorisation and emblem requests
can be delivered by person or post
 
Submitting
nomination
papers
 
All candidates must submit by 
4pm Friday 5 April
2024
The nomination form
The home address form
Consent to nomination
Party Candidates will also need to submit by 4pm
– Friday 5 April 2024
A certificate authorising the use of a party name/
registered description on the ballot paper
A written request to use one of the party’s
emblems on the ballot paper
 
 
Submitting
nomination
papers
 
Take care when completing your nomination
papers, as mistakes may invalidate your
nomination
 
Appointments are available from 12 noon on
Wednesday 20 March 2024 until 4:00pm on Friday
5 April 2024 
(close of receipt of nominations).
Please get your nominations in early
As emphasised nomination papers must be
delivered in person.
 
Nomination form
 
Include your full name
Optional: 
use commonly used name box(es) if
commonly known by a name other than your
full name and wish to use it instead.
Description field – 4 options:
leave blank
Independent
party candidates can use party name or description
authorised by a certificate issued by or on behalf of
the Nominating Officer
Town elections - there is an additional option- may
use a description of up to 6 words but must not be
a name that would be confused with a party name
or misleading to the voter.
 
Nomination
form
 
 
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Must sign and print and after their names. Check
details of subscribers against electoral register
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Data protection requirements
 
 
Home address
form
 
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:
 
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your full name and home address in full
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your qualifying address, or, where you
have declared on your consent to
nomination that you meet more than one
qualification, your qualifying addresses
-
which of the qualifications your qualifying
address or addresses relate to (a, b, c
and/or d)
-
the full name and the home address in
full of the witness to your consent to
nomination
 
Home address form
(cont.)
 
Part 2 of the home address form must be
completed if you do not want your address to
be made public:
 
-
The name of the relevant area in which
your home address is situated (if your
home address is in the UK),
-
if you live outside the UK, the name of the
country in which your home address is
situated.
 
 
 
 
Consent to
nomination form
 
Must include:
name
which area standing in
confirmation of qualification(s) that apply (at
least 1, but select all that apply)
date of birth & signature
date of consent
witness’ name, and signature
 
Certificate of
authorisation
 
Party candidates must have written permission to use
the party name/description from the Nominating Officer
(or a person authorised to act on their behalf)
 
The certificate may:
allow the use of the party name or a particular
description
allow candidate to choose whether to use the party
name or any of the descriptions registered with the
Electoral Commission
 
Must be submitted by 4pm 
on Friday 5 April 2024
 
Emblem
request form
 
Party candidates can ask for an emblem to be printed
on the ballot paper
 
Emblem request form must be submitted by 4pm 
on
Friday 5 April 2024
 
Party candidates should supply an electronic version of
the emblem to the Returning Officer if required
 
Joint party
candidates
 
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must be supported by certificate of
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from each party
 
May use one emblem of one of the parties but
there are no joint party emblems
 
Election agent
 
 
There are no election agents in Town Council
elections
Candidates act as their own agent
 
Other agents
 
Agents can be appointed to attend postal vote
openings, polling stations and the count on your
behalf:
You must give notice in writing of any people
appointed as polling and counting agents by
Thursday 25 April 2024
The number of counting agents per candidate
is to be determined later depending on the
number of candidates standing: Returning
Officer has discretion on overall numbers
The appointment of postal voting agents
attending a particular opening session must be
made before the start of the session. Details of
opening sessions will be made available in
your packs
 
 
Access to
electoral
register/absent
voting lists
 
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earliest, on 
Tuesday 19 March 2024 
if you,
or others declared yourself a candidate
once you or others have declared yourself
a candidate after this date / date you
submit your nomination papers
Make 
written
 request to the ERO – forms
are available from the office / are included
in your nomination pack.
 
 
 
Access to
electoral
register /
absent voting
lists
 
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to complete the nomination form
to help you campaign
to check that donations/loans are
permissible
Cannot be used for any other purposes
 
 
 
Registration to
vote
 
As a candidate you are uniquely placed to
encourage people to register to vote.
You should encourage people to register
as soon as possible.
The deadline for applying for the election
is 
Tuesday 16 April 2024
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Registration
 
When discussing registering to vote with
individuals, you will need to make them aware that
they will need to provide:
their National Insurance number
date of birth and address
People who do not have / cannot retrieve their
National Insurance number can still register, but
they may need to provide further information. If so,
they will be contacted by the ERO.
 
Absent voting
applications
 
Highlight that electors can now apply online
at 
www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote
 or 
www.gov.uk/apply-
proxy-vote
When talking to electors about applying to vote by post
or proxy, you should make them aware of the relevant
deadlines and advise them to apply early
You will need to make them aware that they will need
to provide their National Insurance number, date of
birth, signature and address to register.
People who do not have / cannot retrieve their
National Insurance Number or cannot provide a
signature can still apply, but they may need to provide
further information. If so, they will be contacted by the
ERO.
If you are encouraging people to apply for a postal (or
proxy) vote, make sure you explain that they will only
qualify for one if they are (or will be) registered in time to
vote at the elections.
 
Absent voting -
campaigners
 
Campaigners 
cannot handle postal votes
for other electors who are not close
relatives or someone for whom they
provide regular care
Campaigners may handle postal voting
documents if that’s a feature of a job they
hold (e.g. a postal worker)
New limits on the number of postal votes
that can be handed in – a maximum of
five plus their own for each poll
 
Absent voting –
Who is a
campaigner?
 
A campaigner is:
a candidate at the election(s)
an election agent
employed by the candidate (for the purposes of
the candidate’s activities at the election)
a member of a registered political party who is
carrying out activity to promote a particular
outcome at an election
someone employed by a registered political party
in connection with that party’s political activities
 
Voter
Identification
 
Voters in this election will need to provide a form
of accepted photographic ID if they wish to vote in
person at a polling station.
Voters will be able to present out of date
photographic ID so long as the photograph is still a
good likeness.
If a voter fails to present a form of accepted
photographic ID they will not be issued with a
ballot paper.
This includes those who act as a proxy for another
person.
 
Accepted forms
of Voter ID
 
Voters should be encouraged to check whether
they have one of the forms of accepted
photographic ID well in advance of the election
If a voter does not have an accepted form of
photographic ID, they can apply for a Voter
Authority Certificate either online
https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-
authority-certificate
 
or using a paper application
form.
Electors who are registered anonymously must
have an Elector’s Document to vote in person
Any applications must be received by the ERO by
5pm on the 6th working day before poll.
 
Accepted forms
of Voter ID (1)
 
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Passport (issued by
the UK, any of the
Channel Islands, the
Isle of Man, a British
Overseas Territory,
an EEA state or a
Commonwealth
country)
Irish Passport Card
 
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Driving licence
(issued by the UK,
any of the Channel
Islands, the Isle of
Man, or an EEA
state)
 
A Blue Badge
 
Accepted forms
of Voter ID (2)
 
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Older Person’s bus pass
funded by the UK
government
Disabled Person’s bus
pass funded by the UK
government
Oyster 60+ Card funded
by the UK government
Freedom pass
Scottish National
Entitlement card for the
purpose of concessionary
travel
60 and Over Welsh
Concessionary Travel
Card
 
Disabled person’s
Welsh Concessionary
Travel Card
Senior SmartPass
issued in NI
Registered Blind
SmartPass or Blind
Person’s SmartPass
issued in NI
War Disablement
SmartPass issued in NI
60+ SmartPass issued
in NI
Half Fare SmartPass
issued in NI
 
Accepted forms
of Voter ID (3)
 
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Identity card bearing the
Proof of Age Standards
Scheme hologram (a
PASS card)
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Biometric immigration
document
 
 
Ministry of Defence Form
90 (Defence Identify
Card)
Nationality identity card
issued by an EEA state
Electoral Identity Card
issued in Northern
Ireland
Voter Authority Certificate
Anonymous Elector’s
Document
 
Campaigning
dos and don’ts
 
Do use imprints on all your campaign material,
including websites.
Do comply with planning rules relating to
advertising hoardings and large banners.
Do make sure outdoor posters are removed 2
weeks after the election.
Do not produce material that looks like a poll card.
Do not pay people to display your adverts (unless
they display adverts as part of their normal
business).
Do not handle any postal voting documents you
are not entitled to handle
 
 
Code of conduct
for campaigners
 
Campaigners are an essential element of a
healthy democracy, but their activities should not bring into
question the integrity of the electoral process.
Electoral registration and absent vote applications
:
Ensure forms fully confirm to the requirements of electoral law
Ensure electors are aware they can apply to register or for
an absent vote online
Include the EROs address for the return of any paper forms
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Make sure electors understand implications of applying for
an absent vote
Do not encourage postal ballot pack redirection
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Voter Authority Certificate applications:
Should not handle paper based Voter Authority
Certificate applications and should encourage electors to send
them directly to the ERO
 
Code of conduct for
campaigners
 
 
Postal voting documents:
Never touch any of an elector's postal voting documents
Never observe electors completing their postal vote.
Never handle or take any completed ballot paper or postal
ballot pack from voters
These are prohibited by electoral law (with limited
exceptions)
Campaigning outside polling stations:
You are allowed to put your messages to voters on polling
day, including public spaces outside polling places.
Keep access to polling places and the pavements around
polling places clear to allow voters to enter.
 
Polling day
 
Polling stations open from 7am to 10pm
Office open 
6am to 9:30pm 
for queries or problems
relating to the administration of the election
for queries relating to election finance issues,
contact the Electoral Commission 
(contact details
shown later)
Voters in the polling station or in a queue outside the
polling station at 10 pm can apply for a ballot paper
Voters in this election will need to present
photographic ID in the polling station
Voters can request to have their ID checked in private
 
Polling day
 
There are 52 Polling Stations located across the
district which will open from 7am to 10pm
 
Lists are available in the nomination packs, as well
as on the website
 
Please note that some Polling Stations have
changed following the Polling Places Review
agreed by Council in December 2023
 
Completed
postal votes
handed in to
polling
stations
 
Postal votes can be handed into polling stations within the
voting area
Anyone returning postal votes by hand must complete a postal
vote return form, otherwise the postal votes will be rejected
Polling station staff may assist anyone wishing to hand in
postal votes to complete the relevant form
An individual may hand in a maximum of 6 electors’ postal
votes (their own and five others) per poll
If the individual is a campaigner they may only handle their
own postal vote and those that belong to close family
members or people for whom they provide care
Polling station staff will not be able to provide advice about
whether someone is a campaigne
r, but they may reject postal
votes if they have reasonable cause to believe an individual is
a campaigner
If postal votes are handed in not in accordance with the rules,
then they will be rejected
 
 
 
Completed
postal votes
handed in to
council
buildings
 
Restrictions on the numbers of returned postal votes and
who may hand in postal votes are the same as for
polling stations
An individual may hand in a maximum of 6 electors’
postal votes (their own and five others) per poll
Staff authorised by the Returning Officer may assist
anyone wishing to hand in postal votes to complete the
relevant form
Postal votes dropped off to reception or other council
office desks or locations or any posted into council letter
boxes without completing the postal vote return form will
be rejected and will not be counted
 
 
Counting of
votes
 
 
The count will be held in:
Wyre Forest Leisure Centre, Silverwoods
Way, Kidderminster, DY11 7DT
Count centre will open to candidates agents from
9:30am
 
Candidates, counting agents and one other
person appointed by the candidate are entitled to
attend.
-    limits to counting agents: 
To be confirmed by the
Returning Officer once nominations have closed
undefined
 
Spending issues
 
 
Candidate
spending
 
Defined as certain expenses ‘used for the
purposes of the candidate’s election’ during
the regulated period.
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Limit on expenses:
£960 + 8 pence per elector in the town ward
on register in force on 
March 1
st
 2024
reduced for joint candidates
Must get and keep receipts (over £20)
 
Candidates’
spending
returns
 
Returns due 28 calendar days after result
of election
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i
s
s
i
o
n
Failure to submit a spending return is a
criminal offence enforceable by police
No spending will be reimbursed
undefined
 
Contacts
 
 
Contacts
 
Elections office
email:
electoral@wyreforestdc.gov.uk
Telephone: 01562 732733
 
Mobile Phone numbers for use on Polling Day-
07515 190917/ 07966 492938
but contact the office first
 
Highways department
01905 763763
 
Electoral Commission contacts
0333 103 1928
 
SPOC Contacts
 
DC Chris Harris and DC Andy Daniel
 
electionspoc@westmercia.police.uk
 
All allegations relating to elections should
be brought to the attention of the force
election SPOC(s) but you seek the advice
of your Electoral Services before reporting
as it may be that simple problems can be
sorted out at this point rather than
escalating to a formal criminal enquiry.
undefined
 
Questions
 
undefined
 
Thank you
 
Slide Note

The slides in this presentation cover information for candidates and agents at principal area elections only. The notes in this presentation will, however, cover where deadlines/procedures are different for parish council elections. 

This presentation also includes changes to the electoral process as a result of the Elections Act. These include Voter ID requirements and changes to the rules around postal vote handling and secrecy. 

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Updated briefing for candidates and agents regarding the Local Government Elections in Wyre Forest on May 2nd, 2024. The briefing covers important topics such as key dates, qualifications, nominations, voter ID, polling procedures, candidate spending, integrity issues, and contacts of key officers. Timetables and processes are outlined for a smooth election operation.


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  1. Candidates and agents briefing For Local Government Elections in Wyre Forest on 2ndMay 2024

  2. This briefing has been updated to cover changes as enacted by the Elections Act. It will outline: who s who key dates of the election timetable qualifications and disqualifications nominations agents voter ID postal votes polling day counting of votes candidate spending integrity issues contacts Topics

  3. The Returning Officer is the person responsible for running the elections. Who s who The Returning Officer is Ian Miller

  4. The Electoral Registration Officer is responsible for maintaining the register of electors and absent voters lists. The Electoral Registration Officer is Ian Miller Who s who Contact details are provided at the end of the presentation

  5. Deputy Returning Officer -Caroline Newlands Who s who Electoral Services Manager - Jordan Billingham Electoral Systems Officer Caroline Cherrington

  6. Timetabled process: Publication of Notice of Election Deadline Tuesday 19 March 2024 Election timetable Close of nominations 4pm Friday 5 April 2024 4pm Monday 8 April 2024 Tuesday 16 April 2024 5pm Wednesday 17 April Wednesday 24 April Publication of statement of persons nominated Deadline for applications to register to vote Deadline for new postal vote applications /changes to existing postal or proxy vote applications Publication of notice of poll/situation of polling stations

  7. Timetable process: Deadline Deadline for applications for new proxy votes 5pm Wednesday 24 April 2024 Election timetable (cont d) Deadline for applications for a Voter Authority Certificate or Anonymous Elector s Document 5pm Wednesday 24 April 2024 Appointment of counting and polling agents Polling day Thursday 25 April 2024 Thursday 2 May 7am to 10pm Deadline to apply to vote by emergency proxy 5pm polling day 2 May 2024 Replacement for lost/spoilt postal votes ends 5pm polling day 2 May 2024 Alterations to register to correct clerical error 9pm polling day 2 May 2024 Return of election expenses (28 calendar Thursday 30 May 2024

  8. Police & Crime Commissioner First past the post system Police Area Returning Officer is David Sidaway (Telford and Wrekin) Elections in Wyre Forest on 2 May 2024 Kidderminster Town Council All 6 Wards (18 seats) Local Town Councillors Take Office on Tuesday 7 May 2024

  9. Candidates must satisfy criteria on the day they are nominated and on polling day: be at least 18 years of age be a British, qualifying Commonwealth citizen, or national of an EU member state. Also at least one of the following: Registered local government elector for local authority area Occupied as owner or tenant any land or premises in the local authority area during the whole 12 months preceding nomination Principal or only place of work (including unpaid) during last 12 months in local authority area During the whole of those 12 months resided in the parish or within 4.8 kilometres of it. Qualifications

  10. Disqualifications A person cannot be a candidate if they: are employed by the local authority or hold a paid office under the authority (including joint boards or committees). Candidates may be employed by the local authority if they work at certain schools, fire services, police or health services are subject of a Bankruptcy Restrictions Order (or interim restrictions order) have been sentenced to a term of imprisonment of three months or more (inc. suspended sentence) without option of a fine, during the 5 years before polling day are serving a disqualification due to being found guilty of a corrupt or illegal practice by an election court hold a politically restricted post This is a complex area so not a comprehensive list. Candidates should read the Electoral Commission guidance available on their website

  11. From 7 May 2024, EU electors will only be able to vote at elections and referendums in England that use the local government franchise. Point of Note Candidacy rights changes come into effect on 7 May five calendar days after the scheduled May polls No changes required to nomination papers used for 2 May polls regarding EU citizens Elected EU candidates are entitled to serve their full term

  12. Nomination papers and consent forms must be delivered by hand (post, email and fax are not permitted) Must be delivered in person to the reception desk at Wyre Forest House- any nominations not delivered as instructed will be disregarded We are operating a prior appointment system- please ensure you email the election inbox at electoral@wyreforestdc.gov.uk to book one Advance informal checks are offered and strongly encouraged Only original documents accepted Certificates of authorisation and emblem requests can be delivered by person or post Submitting Nominations

  13. All candidates must submit by 4pm Friday 5 April 2024 The nomination form The home address form Consent to nomination Party Candidates will also need to submit by 4pm Friday 5 April 2024 A certificate authorising the use of a party name/ registered description on the ballot paper A written request to use one of the party s emblems on the ballot paper Submitting nomination papers

  14. Take care when completing your nomination papers, as mistakes may invalidate your nomination Appointments are available from 12 noon on Wednesday 20 March 2024 until 4:00pm on Friday 5 April 2024 (close of receipt of nominations). Please get your nominations in early As emphasised nomination papers must be delivered in person. Submitting nomination papers

  15. Nomination form Include your full name Optional: use commonly used name box(es) if commonly known by a name other than your full name and wish to use it instead. Description field 4 options: leave blank Independent party candidates can use party name or description authorised by a certificate issued by or on behalf of the Nominating Officer Town elections - there is an additional option- may use a description of up to 6 words but must not be a name that would be confused with a party name or misleading to the voter.

  16. Nomination form Subscribers: 2 subscribers are required for Town elections Must sign and print and after their names. Check details of subscribers against electoral register Only ask subscribers to sign after completing the name, address and description fields on the form Each elector may not subscribe more nomination forms than there are vacancies. You should always enquire, before asking a subscriber to sign the form, if they have already signed someone else s. Data protection requirements

  17. Home address form Part 1 of the home address form must state: - your full name and home address in full - your qualifying address, or, where you have declared on your consent to nomination that you meet more than one qualification, your qualifying addresses - which of the qualifications your qualifying address or addresses relate to (a, b, c and/or d) - the full name and the home address in full of the witness to your consent to nomination

  18. Home address form (cont.) Part 2 of the home address form must be completed if you do not want your address to be made public: - The name of the relevant area in which your home address is situated (if your home address is in the UK), - if you live outside the UK, the name of the country in which your home address is situated.

  19. Consent to nomination form Must include: name which area standing in confirmation of qualification(s) that apply (at least 1, but select all that apply) date of birth & signature date of consent witness name, and signature

  20. Party candidates must have written permission to use the party name/description from the Nominating Officer (or a person authorised to act on their behalf) Certificate of authorisation The certificate may: allow the use of the party name or a particular description allow candidate to choose whether to use the party name or any of the descriptions registered with the Electoral Commission Must be submitted by 4pm on Friday 5 April 2024

  21. Party candidates can ask for an emblem to be printed on the ballot paper Emblem request form Emblem request form must be submitted by 4pm on Friday 5 April 2024 Party candidates should supply an electronic version of the emblem to the Returning Officer if required

  22. Nominated by more than one party Joint party candidates May use registered joint party descriptions must be supported by certificate of authorisation from each party May use one emblem of one of the parties but there are no joint party emblems

  23. Election agent There are no election agents in Town Council elections Candidates act as their own agent

  24. Other agents Agents can be appointed to attend postal vote openings, polling stations and the count on your behalf: You must give notice in writing of any people appointed as polling and counting agents by Thursday 25 April 2024 The number of counting agents per candidate is to be determined later depending on the number of candidates standing: Returning Officer has discretion on overall numbers The appointment of postal voting agents attending a particular opening session must be made before the start of the session. Details of opening sessions will be made available in your packs

  25. Access by candidates once you officially become a candidate: earliest, on Tuesday 19 March 2024 if you, or others declared yourself a candidate once you or others have declared yourself a candidate after this date / date you submit your nomination papers Make written request to the ERO forms are available from the office / are included in your nomination pack. Access to electoral register/absent voting lists

  26. Only use data for permitted purposes to complete the nomination form to help you campaign to check that donations/loans are permissible Cannot be used for any other purposes Access to electoral register / absent voting lists

  27. As a candidate you are uniquely placed to encourage people to register to vote. You should encourage people to register as soon as possible. The deadline for applying for the election is Tuesday 16 April 2024 Individuals can apply to register online at https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. It only takes a few minutes. Registration to vote

  28. Registration When discussing registering to vote with individuals, you will need to make them aware that they will need to provide: their National Insurance number date of birth and address People who do not have / cannot retrieve their National Insurance number can still register, but they may need to provide further information. If so, they will be contacted by the ERO.

  29. Highlight that electors can now apply online at www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote or www.gov.uk/apply- proxy-vote When talking to electors about applying to vote by post or proxy, you should make them aware of the relevant deadlines and advise them to apply early You will need to make them aware that they will need to provide their National Insurance number, date of birth, signature and address to register. People who do not have / cannot retrieve their National Insurance Number or cannot provide a signature can still apply, but they may need to provide further information. If so, they will be contacted by the ERO. If you are encouraging people to apply for a postal (or proxy) vote, make sure you explain that they will only qualify for one if they are (or will be) registered in time to vote at the elections. Absent voting applications

  30. Campaigners cannot handle postal votes for other electors who are not close relatives or someone for whom they provide regular care Campaigners may handle postal voting documents if that s a feature of a job they hold (e.g. a postal worker) New limits on the number of postal votes that can be handed in a maximum of five plus their own for each poll Absent voting - campaigners

  31. A campaigner is: a candidate at the election(s) an election agent employed by the candidate (for the purposes of the candidate s activities at the election) a member of a registered political party who is carrying out activity to promote a particular outcome at an election someone employed by a registered political party in connection with that party s political activities Absent voting Who is a campaigner?

  32. Voters in this election will need to provide a form of accepted photographic ID if they wish to vote in person at a polling station. Voters will be able to present out of date photographic ID so long as the photograph is still a good likeness. If a voter fails to present a form of accepted photographic ID they will not be issued with a ballot paper. This includes those who act as a proxy for another person. Voter Identification

  33. Voters should be encouraged to check whether they have one of the forms of accepted photographic ID well in advance of the election If a voter does not have an accepted form of photographic ID, they can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate either online https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter- authority-certificate or using a paper application form. Electors who are registered anonymously must have an Elector s Document to vote in person Any applications must be received by the ERO by 5pm on the 6th working day before poll. Accepted forms of Voter ID

  34. Accepted forms of Voter ID (1) International travel Driving and Parking Passport (issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, a British Overseas Territory, an EEA state or a Commonwealth country) Irish Passport Card Driving licence (issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state) A Blue Badge

  35. Local travel Disabled person s Welsh Concessionary Travel Card Senior SmartPass issued in NI Registered Blind SmartPass or Blind Person s SmartPass issued in NI War Disablement SmartPass issued in NI 60+ SmartPass issued in NI Half Fare SmartPass issued in NI Older Person s bus pass funded by the UK government Disabled Person s bus pass funded by the UK government Oyster 60+ Card funded by the UK government Freedom pass Scottish National Entitlement card for the purpose of concessionary travel 60 and Over Welsh Concessionary Travel Card Accepted forms of Voter ID (2)

  36. Ministry of Defence Form 90 (Defence Identify Card) Nationality identity card issued by an EEA state Electoral Identity Card issued in Northern Ireland Voter Authority Certificate Anonymous Elector s Document Proof of age Accepted forms of Voter ID (3) Identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (a PASS card) Other Government issued documents Biometric immigration document

  37. Do use imprints on all your campaign material, including websites. Do comply with planning rules relating to advertising hoardings and large banners. Do make sure outdoor posters are removed 2 weeks after the election. Do not produce material that looks like a poll card. Do not pay people to display your adverts (unless they display adverts as part of their normal business). Do not handle any postal voting documents you are not entitled to handle Campaigning dos and don ts

  38. Code of conduct for campaigners Campaigners are an essential element of a healthy democracy, but their activities should not bring into question the integrity of the electoral process. Electoral registration and absent vote applications: Ensure forms fully confirm to the requirements of electoral law Ensure electors are aware they can apply to register or for an absent vote online Include the EROs address for the return of any paper forms Ensure unaltered applications are sent to ERO within two working days Make sure electors understand implications of applying for an absent vote Do not encourage postal ballot pack redirection Do not encourage electors to appoint a campaigner as proxy Voter Authority Certificate applications: Should not handle paper based Voter Authority Certificate applications and should encourage electors to send them directly to the ERO

  39. Code of conduct for campaigners Postal voting documents: Never touch any of an elector's postal voting documents Never observe electors completing their postal vote. Never handle or take any completed ballot paper or postal ballot pack from voters These are prohibited by electoral law (with limited exceptions) Campaigning outside polling stations: You are allowed to put your messages to voters on polling day, including public spaces outside polling places. Keep access to polling places and the pavements around polling places clear to allow voters to enter.

  40. Polling stations open from 7am to 10pm Office open 6am to 9:30pm for queries or problems relating to the administration of the election for queries relating to election finance issues, contact the Electoral Commission (contact details shown later) Polling day Voters in the polling station or in a queue outside the polling station at 10 pm can apply for a ballot paper Voters in this election will need to present photographic ID in the polling station Voters can request to have their ID checked in private

  41. Polling day There are 52 Polling Stations located across the district which will open from 7am to 10pm Lists are available in the nomination packs, as well as on the website Please note that some Polling Stations have changed following the Polling Places Review agreed by Council in December 2023

  42. Postal votes can be handed into polling stations within the voting area Anyone returning postal votes by hand must complete a postal vote return form, otherwise the postal votes will be rejected Polling station staff may assist anyone wishing to hand in postal votes to complete the relevant form An individual may hand in a maximum of 6 electors postal votes (their own and five others) per poll If the individual is a campaigner they may only handle their own postal vote and those that belong to close family members or people for whom they provide care Polling station staff will not be able to provide advice about whether someone is a campaigner, but they may reject postal votes if they have reasonable cause to believe an individual is a campaigner If postal votes are handed in not in accordance with the rules, then they will be rejected Completed postal votes handed in to polling stations

  43. Restrictions on the numbers of returned postal votes and who may hand in postal votes are the same as for polling stations An individual may hand in a maximum of 6 electors postal votes (their own and five others) per poll Staff authorised by the Returning Officer may assist anyone wishing to hand in postal votes to complete the relevant form Postal votes dropped off to reception or other council office desks or locations or any posted into council letter boxes without completing the postal vote return form will be rejected and will not be counted Completed postal votes handed in to council buildings

  44. Counting of votes The count will be held in: Wyre Forest Leisure Centre, Silverwoods Way, Kidderminster, DY11 7DT Count centre will open to candidates agents from 9:30am Candidates, counting agents and one other person appointed by the candidate are entitled to attend. - limits to counting agents: To be confirmed by the Returning Officer once nominations have closed

  45. Spending issues

  46. Candidate spending Defined as certain expenses used for the purposes of the candidate s election during the regulated period. Responsibility of candidate at a Town Council Election Limit on expenses: 960 + 8 pence per elector in the town ward on register in force on March 1st 2024 reduced for joint candidates Must get and keep receipts (over 20)

  47. Returns due 28 calendar days after result of election Returns made public by Returning Officer Sample of returns may be reviewed by the Electoral Commission Failure to submit a spending return is a criminal offence enforceable by police No spending will be reimbursed Candidates spending returns

  48. Contacts

  49. Elections office email:electoral@wyreforestdc.gov.uk Telephone: 01562 732733 Contacts Mobile Phone numbers for use on Polling Day- 07515 190917/ 07966 492938 but contact the office first Highways department 01905 763763 Electoral Commission contacts 0333 103 1928

  50. SPOC Contacts DC Chris Harris and DC Andy Daniel electionspoc@westmercia.police.uk All allegations relating to elections should be brought to the attention of the force election SPOC(s) but you seek the advice of your Electoral Services before reporting as it may be that simple problems can be sorted out at this point rather than escalating to a formal criminal enquiry.

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