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Standing for election

To become a councillor you must first stand for election, and be the winning candidate voted in by those in your area.

Who can stand for election?

To be a candidate for a Local Government election on the day of nomination and on the day of the election you must be:

  • aged 18 years or above
  • a British citizen, a qualifying citizen of a commonwealth country, a citizen of the Irish Republic, or a citizen of another member state of the European Union.

You must also meet at least one of the following on the day of nomination and the day of the election:

  • be registered as a local government elector for the area of the council or parish
  • be an owner or tenant of any land or premises in the area during the whole of 12 months before the day of nomination
  • the only place of work during the last 12 months has been in the area
  • have lived in the area during the whole of the last 12 months (and for parish councils only "or within 4.8km of it")

You cannot stand for election if:

  • you are employed by the local authority or hold paid office under the authority (including joint boards or committees)
  • subject of a bankruptcy restrictions order
  • been sentenced to a term of imprisonment of three months or more (including a suspended sentence) without the option of a fine during the 5 years before an election
  • been disqualified under the Representation of People Act or under the Audit Commission Act 1998
  • you are a politically restricted post holder
  • guilty of corruption or illegal practices by the election court.

How do I get nominated?

To be nominated in a district, county or parish election you will need a proposer, a seconder, who must be electors registered in the electoral area, e.g. ward, county division or parish ward.

Nomination forms are available from the returning officer ahead of an election.

How can I stand as a candidate?

Useful information on becoming a candidate for this election is available on the electoral commission website:

The Electoral Commission is an independent body which provides guidance and candidates and agents as part of its role. The resources on the website are a good way for candidates and agents to find out information about the electoral process and to ensure that their campaign activity is in line with electoral law.

Candidate and Agent briefing

Ruth Dennis, the Returning Officer is holding a briefing for Ashfield District Council elections at 6pm on Tuesday 21 March 2023 in the Council Chamber at Ashfield District Council, Urban Road, Kirkby in Ashfield, Nottingham, NG17 8DA.

If you would like to attend this briefing, then please let us know by email or by telephoning 01623 457 321.

If you would like to stand for parish elections, please contact Electoral Services for further information by email ().

Electoral Commission webinar

The Electoral Commission is hosting a pre-election webinar for candidates and their agents taking part in elections in England on 4 May 2023, on Tuesday 7 March 2023, 12pm to 1pm.

The webinar provides an opportunity to gain essential information on the nomination process and the spending and donation rules, including information on:

  • Standing for election
  • The nominations process
  • When the spending rules apply
  • How much you can spend
  • Notional spending rules
  • Who you can accept donations from
  • What you need to report after the election

There will also be a chance to ask questions. If you have a specific question in advance, or topic you would like the Commission to speak about you can get in touch with the Commission before the event.

To book a place on the webinar you should email Stuart Butler at the Electoral Commission:

Nomination Process

Nominations to stand for election as a candidate for these elections will be accepted by the Returning Officer or Deputy at 

Completed nomination forms must be submitted in person to the Returning Officer between the hours of 9:30am and 4pm from Monday 27 March until close of nominations at 4pm on Tuesday 4 April at:

Nominations Room
Ashfield District Council
Urban Road
Kirkby in Ashfield
Nottingham
NG17 8DA

Please contact electoral Services either by email regelec@ashfield.gov.uk or by telephone on 01623 457 321 to make an appointment to have your nomination checked prior to formal submission.

Ways to contact us about standing for election

If you have a question you can contact us by:

Related links: