People can stand for election if they:
- Are 18 years old or over on the day of nomination.
- Are a British, Irish Republic, Commonwealth or other EU citizen.
- Have property or work connections within North Lincolnshire.
- Are on the North Lincolnshire electoral register.
People cannot stand for election if they:
- Are employed by or hold a paid office in the council.
- Have been declared bankrupt.
- Have been convicted of a criminal offence and sentenced to more than three months imprisonment (including any suspended sentence) within the last five years.
- Have been disqualified from holding office by an election court.
- Have been disqualified following a decision of the Adjudication Panel for England.
Full details of the requirements for standing for election as a councillor are set out in the Local Government Act 1972. Those wanting to stand for election need to refer to the Act to ensure that they qualify. Also, people who hold certain politically restricted posts in a council are not allowed to become councillors.
Becoming a candidate
In the run up to an election the council publishes a ‘Notice of Election’. This details:
- The date and time of the election.
- Electoral areas.
- The number of councillors to be elected.
- The timetable for submitting nomination papers.
People who want to stand as a candidate in the election should request a nomination pack from the council. The pack contains all the forms and information needed to become a candidate.
Once nominations have closed, if there are more candidates than vacancies an election will be held.
Membership of a political party
People standing for election do not have to be a member of a political party. The procedure for standing as an independent candidate is detailed in the nomination pack available in the run up to each election.
Those interested in standing as a candidate for a political party should contact the party's local branch.
Getting nominated to stand for election
People who want to stand for election will need a nomination pack. The packs are available from the council at the start of the formal election period. Each potential candidate needs:
- A proposer – someone who will put their name forward as a candidate.
- A seconder – someone who will back up the proposer.
- Eight assentors – eight people who will agree to the proposal.
These ten people must be registered electors in the ward that you want to stand as an election candidate. Candidates for town and parish council elections only need a proposer and seconder.
Candidates must complete a ‘consent to nomination’ form. If they are a candidate for a registered political party, they must also provide a certificate from that party giving permission to stand. The notice of election gives the deadlines for submitting papers to the Returning Officer.
People standing for election can appoint an election agent to manage their campaign. Alternatively, they can act as their own agent.
Legal requirements
There are laws relating to elections. These cover many aspects, including how much candidates can spend on their campaign.
The election nomination pack contains general guidance on legal matters. However, candidates and election agents should have a detailed understanding as it is their responsibility to ensure they comply with the law.
The council can give general advice on the legal requirements. But it is not able to give detailed advice on individual circumstances. For this level of advice candidates should get their own legal advice.