Nomination documents

The following YouTube videos have been created to help candidates complete nomination papers:

• completing your nomination papers
• home address form and relevant area

Parish nominations course

The Association of Electoral Administrators has created a free short parish nominations course to help candidates at parish and town council elections to accurately complete their nomination papers. It has been endorsed by the National Association of Local Councils.

Electoral Commission guidance

You can find the following guidance on the Electoral Commission website:

• what you need to know before you stand as a candidate
• candidate spending
• campaigning
• nominations
• postal votes
• polling day
• verification and count
• after the election
• completing your spending return

Code of conduct for campaigners

The Code of Conduct for Campaigners sets out the standards of behaviour expected of candidates, agents and campaigners during an election. Prospective candidates are encouraged to familiarise themselves with this guidance before commencing any campaign activity.

Candidate security

You can view the latest candidate security guidance which has recently been published by HM Government.

The Local Government Association has produced Seven principles for safer canvassing: A guide for councillors and candidates.

Read the Operation Ford and policing crime against elected members guide.

Role and responsibilities of being a local councillor

This essential guidance from the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) explains the role and responsibilities of local councillors.

There is more information and support available from the Dorset Association of Parish and Town Councils (DAPTC).