Information for candidates and agents

Local Council Elections 18 May 2023

Guide for Candidates and Agents (PDF)
Election Timetable - 18 May 2023 (PDF)
Guidance on the Appointment of Polling Agents (PDF)
Nomination FAQs (PDF)
Notice of Issue and Opening of Postal Votes
Electoral Commission guidance on candidate spending (link to external site)
Royal Mail Guidance on Candidate Mail (PDF)

The electorate statistics to be used for the calculation of candidate expenses will be published on 11 April.

The Polling Station Scheme for the Local Council elections will be published on the Polling Station Scheme page on 1 March.

Candidate Forms

Please note that the 3 April 2023 Electoral Register must be used to complete the subscriber details on the Nomination Paper. You should complete Form 4 in the Candidate Forms below and forward this to the Local Council Office from 3 April to obtain a copy of the register.

Candidate Forms (Word)

Seminars for Candidates and Agents

The Electoral Commission in partnership with the Electoral Office for Northern Ireland and Royal Mail will be running information seminars for potential candidates and agents ahead of the 2023 Local Council elections.

These seminars will offer guidance and support on:

  • standing as a candidate
  • the rules on spending and donations
  • candidate freepost entitlement

Seminar dates:

  • Wednesday 22 March (Belfast)
  • Wednesday 29 March (Omagh)
  • Thursday 30 March (Virtual)

All seminars will take place in the evening.

Places are limited. To reserve a place please email infonorthernireland@electoralcommission.org.uk indicating which seminar you would like to attend.

Elections 2023