Elections and voting

The Cabinet Office have published guidance on the Government’s approach to elections and referendums during COVID-19.

In summary:

• one-to-one campaigning outdoors will be allowed from 8 March, such as leafleting and canvassing, but this should always be socially distanced and not involve entering inside people’s homes - outdoor activity remains prohibited until this point and it is vital the current national lockdown rules continue to be followed.
• from 29 March, the planned provision for six people or two households to meet outdoors will support further outside campaigning, such as activists campaigning in a group along a local street.

The full guidance can be accessed at GOV.UK: The Government’s approach to elections and referendums during COVID-19.

For guidance on COVID-19 safe ways to campaign:

• read the letter to members: campaigning for 21 May elections
• visit GOV.UK: guidance on campaigning during lockdown

The government has announced legislation to reduce the number of subscribers that are required by each candidate for the local elections (Buckinghamshire Council wards) taking place on 6 May 2021.

This means:

• only a proposer and seconder are required to support a nomination
• original signed forms must still be handed to the Returning Officer
• updated local election nomination forms are now available from the Electoral Commission website

Buckinghamshire Council ward electorate totals PDF, 207KB

There are no changes to the proposer and seconder required by each candidate for parish elections taking place on 6 May 2021.

For parish guidance and forms, visit the Electoral Commission website.

Parish council ward electorate totals PDF, 598KB

For further information and guidance on submitting nominations visit the Police Area Returning Officer’s website.