7 May 2026: Information for candidates and agents

Useful information and links to nomination packs and guidance for elections on 7 May 2026.

Please check the information provided by the Electoral Commission in connection with this poll and ensure that you comply with all deadlines and statutory requirements. You can find out more about these on the Electoral Commission Website. 

You can find information relevant for electors and your supporters on our webpage for voters.

We'll post information relevant to agents, independent candidates or parish candidates on this webpage. You're advised to check our web pages and the Electoral Commission website for information as they will be updated frequently. We'll mainly communicate with you via our website. 

Candidates and agents briefing

A meeting was held in person and online for all existing and prospective candidates on Tuesday 17 March 2026 at 6pm

Nomination Packs and Local Guidance

Informal checks can be requested in person or scanned copies can be emailed via nominations@hart.gov.uk *not available on Thursday 9 April 2026

We would ask that you make an appointment to deliver your papers from Thursday 26 March between 10am and 4pm.

Please note: All the pages of a nomination pack should be submitted by hand to the Returning Officer as per the timetable.

Other guidance

The Association of Electoral Administrators have produced a free short parish nominations course to help candidates at parish and town councils in England accurately complete their nomination papers. Log In Page | How to complete parish council nomination papers

When using the course, users can either: 

  • set up an account and log in so they can save their progress and access the course from any device, OR 
  • select the “Skip step and start anonymously” button preventing the need to set up an account - but progress cannot be saved.

Tellers

Agents

Election Agents - is a person legally responsible for managing a candidate's election campaign, overseeing campaign expenditures, and ensuring compliance with electoral laws

Counting Agents - is an electoral observer appointed to oversee the counting process during elections. Their primary role is to ensure that the counting is conducted accurately and transparently, supporting the candidates and election agents throughout the process.

Polling Agents - are appointed by candidates or their election agents to monitor polling stations and protect the interests of their candidate or party.

Register request

Candidates and agents are eligible to request the electoral register. Please complete the relevant form and return to us.

Ballot paper colours

  • County - white
  • District - green
  • Parish - yellow

Polling stations

Candidate expenses

Guidance for Candidates and Agents at local government elections in England

Guidance for Candidates at Parish council elections in England | Electoral Commission

The Electoral Commission is committed to supporting candidates and agents at the local elections in England to understand the law and their post-poll obligations. They know that after polling day, completing and submitting spending returns will be a key priority and they have an upcoming webinar that may be of interest.  

Completing your spending return  

This interactive session will provide essential information about completing and submitting candidate spending returns for the May 2026 local elections in England. There will also be the opportunity to ask questions throughout the session.  

When: Tuesday 12 May, 12:00-13:00  

Where: Microsoft Teams - Joining instructions will be sent after you register to attend.  

Registration: Complete their form (Opens in new window). The form includes questions that will help them tailor the session to ensure it is as useful and relevant as possible.  

Forms for Expenses Returns

  • Local Government

You must complete and return the candidate and agent declaration (if you have one) plus the spending return

Nil return for candidate

Agents Spending declaration Return

Candidate Spending declaration Return

Return for candidate spending (pdf)

Return for candidate spending (MS Excel)

  • Parish

You must complete and return the candidate declaration form plus one of the other forms that are applicable to you

Nil return declaration

Parish Candidate Declaration Form

Parish expense declaration

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