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PARISH ELECTIONS 2021 – PARISH BY ELECTIONS

6 MAY 2021

INFORMATION PACK FOR CANDIDATES AND AGENTS

Contents

1. Submission of Nomination Papers 2. Covid Considerations 3. Contact Details 4. Political Advertising 5. Electoral Commission Guidance – Campaigning 6. Spending 7. Access to Electoral Register and other resources 8. Registration and Absent Voting 9. Postal Vote Opening Sessions 10. Agents 11. Verification and Count 12. Publication of Results 13. Declaration of Acceptance of Office and Term of Office 14. Briefings

Appendix 1 – Election Timetable Appendix 2 – Candidate Contact Details Form Appendix 3 – Candidate Checklist Appendix 4 – Nomination Form Appendix 5 – Candidate’s Home Address Form Appendix 6– Consent to nomination Appendix 7 – Certificate of Authorisation (Party candidates only) Appendix 8 – Request for Party Emblem (Party candidates only) Appendix 9 – Notice of withdrawal Appendix 10 – Register Request Form Appendix 11 – Absent Voters Request Form Appendix 12 – Notification of postal voting agents, polling agents and counting agents Appendix 13 – Code of Conduct for Campaigners Appendix 14 – Declarations of Secrecy Appendix 15 – Polling Station List Appendix 16 – Count Procedure and layout Appendix 17 – Thornaby Pavilion car parking Appendix 18 – Feedback Form

J Danks Returning Office (RO)

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Elections 2021 – Advice for Political Parties and Candidates

1. Submission of Nomination Papers

Candidates/ Agents are encouraged to email scanned nomination forms and supporting papers for informal checking at the earliest opportunity. However, the law requires formal submission of nomination papers by hand, as set out below.

Please email nomination papers for informal checking to [email protected] and telephone Margaret Waggott on 01642 527064 to confirm.

When a candidate is validly nominated, they will receive a letter confirming their nomination.

Form Delivery Where and Notes Method when Nomination Paper By hand Between Details of the required subscribers on the nomination form should (including all 10.00am to be checked against the electoral register published on 1 March supporting pages) 4.00pm Monday 2021. If they do not appear on the register, they cannot subscribe to Friday, on a nomination form. Original signed and from version Monday 22 At Parish elections an elector may not subscribe more March 2021 until nominations than there are vacancies in the parish or, if warded, 4.00pm on the parish ward. Thursday 8 April 2021. For Parish Council elections, a candidate can choose to use a description, which must not exceed six words in length; these To the descriptions do not have to be registered with the Electoral Returning Commission. A description must not lead electors to associate it Officer, the with a registered political party, unless the description has been Elections Office, registered by that party and its use has been authorised. Room 65, Municipal Where a candidate is standing for a registered political party, the Buildings, description may be either the registered party name or one of the Church Road, descriptions the party has registered with the Electoral Stockton on Commission. Tees, TS18 1LD. The description included on the nomination must be IDENTICAL to the authorised description specified on the Certififcate of Deadline Authorisation. 8 April 2021 4pm

Home Address By hand As above The home address: Form • must be completed in full Deadline • must not contain abbreviations Original signed 8 April 2021 • must be your current home address version 4pm • must not be a business address (unless you run a business from your home)

A candidate may choose not to have their home address published on the statement of persons nominated or ballot paper. In this case, they must state the district in which they reside.

Candidate By hand As above The consent form should be signed and dated by the candidate no Consent to earlier than 31 calendar days before the nomination deadline (i.e. Nomination Deadline not before 8 March and by 8 April 2021). 8 April 2021 Original signed 4pm version 2

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Certificate of By hand or post As above or by A certificate signed by an authorised officer (and being an original Authorisation post document).

Original signed Deadline As long as a person who has signed a certificate claims that version 8 April 2021 they have been authorised to do so by the registered 4pm Nominating Officer, the certificate should be taken at face value.

However, it would be helpful if Nominating Officers’ delegated authorities were up to date and provided to the RO in advance of the nominations process. Delegated authorities may be sent by post or electronically.

Request for Party By hand or post As above or by If the party has more than one registered emblem, the candidate Emblem post should specify which one they want to use. Deadline Original signed 8 April 2021 version 4pm

There are no restrictions on who can deliver the nomination papers. They should, however, be delivered by someone who is trusted, so that you can be sure they are delivered in time.

It is an offence knowingly to make a false statement on any of the nomination papers. Alleged offences will be referred to the Police if complaints are received by the Returning Officer.

2. COVID Considerations

The coronavirus pandemic continues to impact our daily lives and as such presents particular challenges for the holding of elections. National guidance has been provided by the Electoral Commission, which has been developed in close consultation with the AEA and Cabinet Office to support our planning which is informed by initial and ongoing risk assessments of our electoral processes.

In addition, specialist local Public Health and health and safety advice has helped to identify any mitigation measures that will need to be implemented to enable us to deliver the poll. We would ask all Candidates and Agents to follow the public health guidelines and to wear the appropriate PPE at all times.

Please do not attend any part of the election should you be experiencing COVID symptoms of a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or taste, or if your circumstances require you to isolate.

If there are any concerns about a candidate or agent breaching COVID rules, these should be reported through the online reporting system found at the following link:

https://www.cleveland.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/c19/v7/tell-us-about-a-possible-breach-of-coronavirus- covid-19-measures/

3. Contacts Details

Julie Danks (Returning Officer) Tel 01642 527007 [email protected] Margaret Waggott (Deputy Returning Officer) Tel 01642 527064 [email protected]

Elections Team:

Judy Trainer Tel 01642 528158 [email protected] Sharon McDonald Tel 01642 528954 [email protected] Kerry Round Tel 01642 528163 [email protected]

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Enquiries relating to how to register for a postal vote or proxy vote or to enquire about polling station locations etc. will be dealt with by the core electoral services team. The direct line for these enquiries is 01642 526196 (Electoral Helpline).

4. Political Advertising

Any complaints about election advertisements are to be directed to the Customer Services Team.

The Community Services Manager Craig Willows will adopt the following procedure:

(a) If there is no doubt that election advertisements have been placed on council owned street furniture / property / land they will be removed and stored at Cowpen Depot Cowpen Lane Billingham TS23 4DD and will be made available for collection by the parties concerned.

(b) If it is not immediately clear that the election advertisements have been placed on council owned street furniture / property / land checks will be made. If it proves to be the case that election advertisements are on council owned street furniture / property / land then the relevant agent will be informed by the CFYA Community Services Manager Craig Willows that they will be given 24hrs to remove material or the Council will arrange to do so in default. Any material removed by the Council will be stored at Cowpen Depot Cowpen Lane Billingham TS23 4DD and will be made available for collection by the parties concerned

In both of the above scenarios, the relevant agent will be informed of the removal and advised that advertisements / material is available for collection.

Should candidates / agents be unsure whether or not the street furniture / property / land is council owned prior to placing advertisements then they can contact Craig Willows on 01642 527179 or Steve Bowerbank on 01642 527743 for clarification / guidance.

5. Electoral Commission Guidance - Campaigning

The Electoral Commission has produced a code of conduct for campaigners which sets out a summary of the law and offers advice about how these individuals should conduct themselves during an election or referendum campaign.

Please bear this in mind if you are campaigning for yourself or others, and please bring it to the attention of those who campaign for you.

Specific guidance about campaigning during the current period of national lockdown and for changes to be implemented from 8 March can be found at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-governments-approach-to-elections-and-referendums- during-covid-19/the-governments-approach-to-elections-and-referendums-during-covid-19

In addition, full guidance is available for candidates and agents at the following links:

Parish: https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/candidate-or-agent/parish-council-elections-

6. Spending

Spending limits are set out in part 3 of the guidance. The spending and donation rules apply during the ‘regulated period’ which begins on the day after the date you officially become a candidate and ends on polling day, 6 May 2021. The earliest date you can officially become a candidate is the last date for publication of the notice of election (29 March 2021).

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You will become a candidate on this date if you or others have already announced your intention to stand. For example, your party may have issued a press release when you were selected, or you might have mentioned your intention at a residents’ meeting.

If your intention to stand has not been announced by 26 March 2019, you will officially become a candidate on the earlier of:

• the date your intention to stand is announced but not before 29 March • the date when you submit your nomination papers

The spending limit for the regulated period is £806, plus 7p per local government elector in the parish area registered to vote on the last day for publication of the notice of election (29 March 2021). The total is reduced for joint candidature.

Electorate for each Parish where a by election is taking place will be available from Electoral Services after 1 March 2021 and will be added to the Elections and Voting Pages on the Council’s Website at https://www.stockton.gov.uk/our-council/elections-and-voting/

All candidates both successful and unsuccessful are required to make a Return of Election Expenses (even a nil return).

For Parish candidates the deadline for submitting the return is Thursday 3 June 2021.

7. Entitlement to Register of Electors, Absent Voting Lists and other resources

Full Copy of the Register of Electors

Elected representatives, candidates, local constituency parties, registered political Parties and Parish Councils are entitled to receive a full copy of the Register of Electors and the lists of people voting by post on request and free of charge. Such requests must be made in writing and must:

• Specify the document that is required • State whether the request is made for current documents only or whether it includes a request for the supply of any subsequent documents, such as notices of alteration • State whether a printed copy of any of the documents is requested instead of the version in data form

From 29 March

Once a person officially becomes a candidate (on the 29 March at the earliest) they are entitled to receive a free copy of the electoral register and the lists of absent voters for the area they are contesting.

This entitlement only applies while they are a candidate. Once the election is over, they are not allowed to have subsequent registers or updates. Copies of the register supplied may only be used for electoral purposes. Once the purpose for which the register has been supplied has expired, the register should be securely destroyed.

A candidate can use the registers and lists to complete their nomination form; assist with their campaign, and to check that donations are permissible.

A candidate should not use the registers or lists for any other purpose, and should not pass them, or copies of them, to anyone outside their campaign.

Any person found breaching these restrictions could face an unlimited fine and/or imprisonment.

Electoral Services will also supply, on written request, electorate totals for a particular electoral area to the eligible recipients set out above. 5

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Street Lists

Legislation does not give any entitlement to street lists from the Electoral Register. However, this information can be obtained from high street retailers. The following links may be of use:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Philips-Street-County-Durham- Teesside/dp/1849072450/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1413550694&sr=8- 1&keywords=Philip%27s+Street+Atlas+County+Durham+and+Teesside http://www.az.co.uk/?nid=60&iid=9856&pts=1,2,3,4,5,6,&s=stockton-on-tees&t=0&st=1

8. Registration and Absent Voting

The deadline for registration for this election is midnight on Monday 19 April.

Applications for postal votes, and for amendments or cancellations of existing postal and proxy votes must reach the Electoral Registration Officer by no later than 5pm on Tuesday 20 April.

Applications to vote by proxy at this election must reach the Electoral Registration Officer by 5pm on Tuesday 27 April.

Applications to vote by proxy at this election, applied for on grounds of physical incapacity and where that physical incapacity occurred after 5pm on Tuesday 27 April, must reach the Electoral Registration Officer by no later than 5pm on Thursday 6 May.

Please ensure that any forms that are handed to you are submitted as soon as possible to ensure they can be processed in time for this election.

Issue of Postal Votes

Postal voting packs will be released to Royal Mail on:

Monday 19 April Tuesday 20 April Sunday 25 April

Replacement of spoilt postal ballot papers

An elector may apply for a replacement if they have spoilt either their ballot paper or their postal voting statement. Applications for a replacement must be made to the Returning Officer at the Council Offices before 5pm on polling day.

All documents must be returned to the Returning Officer regardless of whether or not these have been spoilt including the return envelope ‘B’ and the ballot paper envelope ‘A’. A new postal ballot pack (ballot paper, postal voting statement and relevant envelopes) can then be issued to the elector.

Replacement of lost ballot papers

An elector may apply for a replacement if they have lost their ballot papers. The first day to issue replacements for lost ballot papers is Thursday 29 April. Applications for a replacement must be made to the Returning Officer at the Council Offices before 5pm on polling day.

The description ‘lost’ includes the situation where the voter has lost the ballot paper, in addition to the situation where the voter claims not to have received their postal ballot pack.

In the case where an elector has lost any part of their postal ballot pack, they must return the remaining parts to the Returning Officer when applying for a replacement.

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In either case the Returning Officer must be satisfied as to the postal voter’s identity and have no reason to doubt that either they have lost or did not receive the original postal ballot pack. Electors will have to attend the council offices in person and provide identification. The recommended approach is one proof of identity with a photograph e.g. passport, driving licence, bus pass, student card or two proofs of identity without a photograph e.g. council tax payment book, allowance/benefits/pension book.

It is common practice for voters to contact the elections office by telephone to enquire about a replacement ballot pack if their postal vote has failed to arrive. Electoral Services will advise about the procedure and what proof of identity the elector will need to produce before a replacement postal ballot pack can be issued.

9. Postal Vote Opening Sessions

Candidates and Agents are entitled to attend the opening of postal votes in addition to postal voting agents. Postal Voting Agents can be appointed up to the start of each opening session.

Postal Vote Opening Sessions are scheduled to take place in the Jim Cooke Conference Suite, Stockton Central Library at 9.30am on:

23 April 26 April 27 April 28 April 29 April 30 April 3 May 4 May 5 May 6 May

At the close of poll at 10pm the Returning Officer will make arrangements for a team of staff to open the postal votes that have been handed in at the polling stations during the day. The final opening session will take place on Thursday 6 May at 8pm at Thornaby Pavilion.

10. Agents

Key deadlines to note are:-

Polling Agents and Counting Agents – Midnight on 28 April Postal Voting Agents can be appointed up to the start of each opening session

There is no limit on the number of polling agents; however, only one polling agent per candidate may be permitted in a polling station at the same time. One agent per candidate will be permitted at postal vote opening sessions.

Candidates will be permitted to appoint reserve counting agents should agents be unavailable due to having Covid symptoms or having to self-isolate. Notification will still be required by same deadline.

Covid guidelines will need to be applied, in consultation with candidates and agents, which may mean voluntarily restricting the number of people who can be present in the venue at the same time.

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11. Verification and Count

All attendees are instructed to observe the following COVID measures:

➢ Do not attend if you are awaiting a test result ➢ If you have any of the following coronavirus symptoms get a test and stay at home: o a high temperature o a new, continuous cough o a loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or taste ➢ Do not attend if you are required to self-isolate ➢ Face masks and visors should always be worn by all attendees in the Pavilion ➢ Maintain social distancing - where you cannot stay 2 metres apart, you should stay more than 1 metre apart and take additional steps to stay safe by following these guidelines ➢ Please bring your own food and drink and wash your hands before eating; do not share food ➢ Do not touch anything you don’t have to ➢ Do not touch your face ➢ Regularly use the hand sanitiser provided ➢ Do not car share unless this is with a member of your own household or support bubble

Verification and count will take place from 10.00pm on Friday 6 May 2021 at:

Thornaby Pavilion Town Centre Thornaby TS17 9EW (see location plan and parking arrangements attached)

The counts for District and Parish By-Elections will commence once all ballot papers have been verified for all polls.

Admission to the verification and count will be by way of an admission letter sent directly to candidates, election agents and counting agents. Please ensure the Notice of Appointment of Counting Agents gives an appropriate postal address. Security staff will be checking admission letters at the entrance to the count venue.

Each count table is a mini count and ballot papers allocated at the start of the count will remain with the table throughout the process. This includes doubtful ballot papers which will be adjudicated on a continuous basis at each mini count table by the Returning Officer and her adjudication officers. A count layout plan and overview of the process is attached.

Media will be hosted at Thornaby Pavilion by our communications colleagues with press, news and radio being allocated an area in the spectator gallery.

The Returning Officer has a duty to give the Counting Agents reasonable facilities for overseeing the proceedings, and information with regard to the count. There will be a public address system in operation to allow candidates, agents and counting agents to hear announcements in the count hall and an information pack for those attending.

At the count, the number of counting agents allowed for each candidate will not be less than the number obtained by dividing the number of counting assistants (i.e. those staff employed on the counting) by the number of candidates.

The number of counting agents permitted will be advised after 8 April and available on the Council’s Website at https://www.stockton.gov.uk/our-council/elections-and-voting/

All persons attending the count must be made aware of the secrecy provisions.

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Candidates, agents and counting agents will be given admittance to the Count Hall from 9.30pm.

• Covid measures will be in place and will be enforced • Order and quiet are to be maintained throughout the count • A Candidate, Election Agent, or Counting Agent shall not touch or handle any ballot paper; your role is to oversee proceedings • No food or drink is to be placed on any of the tables • No stilettos are permitted in the Count Hall in order to protect the sports hall flooring • The Count Venue is a no smoking building and smoking in any part of the venue is not allowed • Mobile phones should remain switched off within the Count Hall • Flash cameras should not be used, and any photographs should not break the Secrecy Rules. • In the event of a health and safety incident, the Pavilion reception must be notified who will take appropriate action. Please note the postcode to be used to call the emergency services to the Pavilion is TS17 9EW • All areas are accessible to disabled visitors and guide dogs are permitted

12. Publication of Results

The result will be published on the Council website and posted in the Council offices.

13. Declaration of Acceptance of Office and Term of Office

A Declaration of Acceptance of Office form should be signed by each Councillor elected and attested by the Clerk as the proper officer of the council before or at the first meeting of the parish council after their election. (If this is not convenient for a councillor, the council may permit that form to be signed before or at a later meeting.)

The person elected shall hold office until the date upon which the person in whose place he is elected would have retired.

14. Briefings

Briefings for candidates and agents will take place on Monday 22 March 2021 at 5pm and on Friday 9 April 2021 at 4pm. These will be virtual meetings over Microsoft Teams. Please contact the Electoral Helpline 01642 526196 to register your interest and we will email a link to the meetings.

Additional appendices are attached to support your candidature.

Further Information can be obtained from the Electoral Commission:

Guidance for Candidates and Agents 0333 103 1928 https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/candidate-or-agent/parish-council-elections- england

Party and Election Finance 0333 103 1928 [email protected]

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General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

You are responsible for looking after the personal data of the people who support your nomination. You are the data controller for this information and when collecting subscriber information, you should point out what the information will be used for, how personal data will be processed and how it will be kept secure.

You should make it clear to the people who agree to support your nomination, that their names and addresses will form part of the public record. By law their details must be published and made available. The lawful basis to collect the information in this form is that it is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest and exercise of official authority as set out in Representation of the People Act 1983 and associated regulations. If individuals do not agree to this then they should not support the nomination.

You should also explain that the information will be shared with the Returning Officer. For further information on data protection and data processing you should refer to the privacy notice on the website at https://www.stockton.gov.uk/our-council/good-governance-doing-things-properly/privacy-notices/

Please contact the Information Commissioner's Office for further information about how the General Data Protection Regulation affects you.

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Combined timetable for elections in England: 6 May 2021

This timetable covers the following polls taking place on 6 May 2021:

• Police and Crime Commissioner elections • local government principal area elections (i.e. district, borough, county, county borough and unitary authority elections) • parish council elections • local authority mayoral elections in England • combined authority mayoral elections in England

The days which are disregarded in calculating the timetable are Saturday, Sunday, bank holidays and any day appointed for public thanksgiving or mourning.

Please be aware that the timetable may change in the event of days being appointed for public thanksgiving or mourning.

This timetable has been developed based on the legislation as it currently stands and so it may be subject to change. We will update and re-publish the timetable as appropriate if further legislation is made.

Event Election(s) Working days before Date (deadline if poll (deadline if not not midnight) midnight) Publication of All Not later than 25 days Not later than notice of election Monday 29 March

Delivery of PCC and Between the hours of Between 10am and nomination combined 10am and 4pm on any 4pm on any working papers authority day after the day after publication mayoral publication of the of notice of election notice of election until and until 4pm on 4pm on the nineteenth Thursday 8 April day before polling day This document was classified as: OFFICIAL

Event Election(s) Working days before Date (deadline if poll (deadline if not not midnight) midnight) Delivery of Local, local From the date and On any working day nomination authority time stated on the during the hours papers mayoral notice of election until stated on the notice and parish 4pm on the nineteenth of election until 4pm day before polling day on Thursday 8 April

Deadline for All 19 days (4pm) 4pm on Thursday 8 withdrawals April

Deadline for the PCC, 19 days (4pm) 4pm on Thursday 8 notification of combined April appointment of authority election agent mayoral, local, local authority mayoral

Making objections PCC and On 19 days (10am to Between 10am and to nomination combined 5pm), subject to the 12 noon on papers authority following: Thursday 8 April mayoral objections can be Between 10 am – 12 made to all delivered noon objections can nominations be made to all delivered nominations Between 12 noon and 5pm on Thursday 8 April Between 12 noon and objections can only 5pm objections can be made to only be made to nominations nominations delivered delivered after 4pm after 4pm, 20 days on Wednesday 7 before the poll April

Publication of first All 19 days Thursday 8 April interim election notice of alteration This document was classified as: OFFICIAL

Event Election(s) Working days before Date (deadline if poll (deadline if not not midnight) midnight) Publication of All Not later than 18 days Not later than 4pm statement of (4pm) on Friday 9 April persons nominated

Deadline for All 12 days Monday 19 April receiving applications for registration

Deadline for All 11 days (5pm) 5pm on Tuesday receiving new 20 April postal vote and postal proxy applications, and for changes to existing postal or proxy votes

Deadline for All 6 days (5pm) 5pm on Tuesday receiving new 27 April applications to vote by proxy (not postal proxy or emergency proxies)

Publication of All Between 18 days and Between Friday second interim 6 days 9 April and Tuesday election notice of 27 April (inclusive) alteration

Publication of All Not later than 6 days Not later than notice of poll Tuesday 27 April

Publication of All 5 days Wednesday 28 April final election notice of alteration This document was classified as: OFFICIAL

Event Election(s) Working days before Date (deadline if poll (deadline if not not midnight) midnight) Deadline for All 5 days Wednesday 28 April notification of appointment of polling and counting agents

Notification of PCC and 5 days Wednesday 28 April appointment of combined sub-agents authority mayoral

First date that All 4 days Thursday 29 April electors can apply for a replacement for lost postal votes

Polling day All 0 (7am to 10pm) 7am to 10pm on Thursday 6 May

Last time that All 0 (5pm) 5pm on Thursday electors can 6 May apply for a replacement for spoilt or lost postal votes

Deadline for All 0 (5pm) 5pm on Thursday emergency proxy 6 May applications

Last time to alter All 0 (9pm) 9pm on Thursday the register due 6 May to clerical error or court appeal

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APPENDIX 2

Candidate Contact Information Form

Please would you provide the following details which will be shared with the Police for security purposes.

Candidate:

Name

Party

Telephone

Mobile

Email

Address

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

You are responsible for looking after the personal data of the people who support your nomination. You are the data controller for this information and when collecting subscriber information, you should point out what the information will be used for, how personal data will be processed and how it will be kept secure.

You should make it clear to the people who agree to support your nomination, that their names and addresses will form part of the public record. By law their details must be published and made available. The lawful basis to collect the information in this form is that it is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest and exercise of official authority as set out in Representation of the People Act 1983 and associated regulations. If individuals do not agree to this then they should not support the nomination.

You should also explain that the information will be shared with the Returning Officer. For further information on data protection and data processing you should refer to the privacy notice on the website at https://www.stockton.gov.uk/our-council/good-governance-doing- things-properly/privacy-notices/

Please contact the Information Commissioner's Office for further information about how the General Data Protection Regulation affects you.

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You must print off the forms in this pack before submitting them

The following papers must be delivered by hand:

1a: Nomination paper

1b: Home address form (part 1 and part 2)

1c: Candidate’s consent to nomination (including the pages of legislation)

The following papers can be delivered by hand or by post:

2: Certificate of authorisation

3: Request for a party emblem

The notice of election published by the Returning Officer will specify the times and exact location to which nomination papers must be delivered.

Ensure that where signatures are required, you submit the original signed version of each completed paper. Documents without original signatures cannot be accepted.

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

Data protection legislation applies to the processing of all personal data. Please contact the Information Commissioner's Office, for further information about how the legislation affects you.

When collecting subscriber information, you should point out what the information will be used for, and how personal data will be processed and kept secure. The lawful basis to collect the information in these forms is that it is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest and exercise of official authority as set out in the Representation of the People Act 1983 and associated regulations.

You should also explain that the information will be shared with the Returning Officer. For further information on data protection and data processing you should refer to the Returning Officer’s privacy notice on their website.

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CL Parish election in England Candidate checklist This checklist is designed to assist candidates standing in a parish council election1 in England in preparing to submit their nomination, and should be read alongside the Electoral Commission's Guidance for candidates and agents. Task Tick Nomination paper (all candidates) Add your full name – surname in the first box and all other names in the second Optional - Use the commonly used name(s) box(es) if you are commonly known by a name other than your full name and want it to be used instead of your full name Description – Party candidates can use a party name or party description registered with the Electoral Commission and this must match the details shown on the required certificate of authorisation from that party. Any candidate may use a description that is not likely to lead electors to associate the candidate with a registered political party or can use ‘Independent’ or leave this blank. Whatever you enter in this box will appear as your description on the ballot paper Subscribers – both subscribers must sign and have their name printed. Use your copy of the electoral register to make sure the elector number of both subscribers is accurate. When collecting subscriber information ensure that you explain what the information will be used for and that the information will be shared with the Returning Officer. Method of submitting the form to the RO: in person (but not limited to yourself), by hand, to be accompanied by the home address form. It cannot be submitted by post, fax, e- mail or other electronic means. Candidate’s home address form (all candidates) Add your full name Add your home address in full Add your qualifying address, or qualifying addresses, to each of the relevant qualifications. Add the full name and home address in full of the person who will witness your consent to nomination form If you do not want to have your home address printed on the ballot papers, complete part 2 of the form, giving the name of the relevant area or, where outside the UK, the country in which your home address is situated and sign the form. Please submit part 2 of the home address form with your nomination papers, even if you do not want to withhold your home address from the ballot papers. Method of submitting the form to the RO: in person (but not limited to you), by hand, to be accompanied by the nomination form. It cannot be submitted by post, fax, e-mail or other electronic means. Candidate’s consent (all candidates) You must be a British, Commonwealth or other European Union Citizen and not require leave to enter or remain in the or have indefinite leave to remain. You

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must also be 18 years old or older on the date you sign this form. You must declare that you meet at least one of the listed qualification(s) and should cross through any that do not apply. You must not sign the form if you are disqualified to stand. Make sure that you read the Electoral Commission guidance on standing for election as well as the legislation listed. If you are not sure if you are able to stand you should contact your employer (where relevant), consult the legislation or, if necessary, take your own independent legal advice. Add your full date of birth Sign and date the document in the presence of another person. You must not sign the consent form earlier than one calendar month before the deadline for submitting your nomination papers Get the other person to complete and sign the witness section. This should be the same person whose details you provided as your witness on the home address form. Method of submitting the form (which must include all pages of legislation) to the RO: in person (but not limited to yourself), by hand. It cannot be submitted by post, fax, e-mail or other electronic means. Certificate of authorisation (party candidates only) Ensure the certificate contains the candidate’s full name. Check the certificate allows the registered party name or description given on the nomination paper to be used (or allows the candidate to choose to use the party name or any registered description). Ensure it is issued by the party Nominating Officer (or someone that they have authorised to issue it on their behalf) and that it is the original copy signed by that person. Method of submitting the form to the RO: in person (but not limited to yourself) or by post. Request for party emblem (party candidates only) Write the name or description of an emblem registered by the party and published on the Electoral Commission’s website. Ensure the request is made by the candidate. Method of submitting the form to the RO: in person (but not limited to yourself) or by post.

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1a – Nomination paper Office use only Date received Time received Initials No Parish election in England

*ELECTION OF PARISH COUNCILLORS for the

*[ward of the] if applicable

*parish of *Delete whichever is inappropriate

Date of election:

We, the undersigned, being local government electors for the said *ward/parish do hereby nominate the under-mentioned person as a candidate at the said election.

Candidate’s Details Mr/Mrs/Miss/ Candidate’s surname Ms/Dr/Other

Other forenames in full

Commonly used surname (if any)

Commonly used forenames (if any)

Description (if any)

Use no more than six words

Electoral number Signature Print name Polling Elector District Number

Proposer

Seconder

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Notes

1. The attention of candidates and electors is drawn to the rules for filling up nomination papers and other provisions relating to nomination papers contained in the election rules in the Local Elections (Parishes and Communities) Rules 2006 (as amended).

2. Where a candidate is commonly known by some title they may be described by their title as if it were their surname.

3. Where a candidate commonly uses a name that is different from any other name they have, the commonly used name may also appear on the nomination paper, but if it does so, the commonly used name (instead of any other name) will appear on the ballot paper.

4. But the ballot paper will show the other name if the returning officer thinks that the use of the commonly used name may (a) be likely to mislead or confuse electors, or (b) that the commonly used name is obscene or offensive.

5. An elector may not – (a) subscribe more nomination papers than there are vacancies to be filled in the electoral area in which the election is held; or (b) subscribe a nomination paper for more than one ward in a parish divided into wards.

6. In this form ‘elector’ – (a) means a person whose name is registered in the register of local government electors for the electoral area in question on the last day for the publication of notice of election; and (b) includes a person then shown in the register as below voting age if (but only if) it appears from the register that he will be of voting age on the day fixed for the poll.

7. However, a person who has an anonymous entry in the register of local government electors cannot nominate a candidate for election.

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1b – Home address form Office use only Parish elections in England Date received Time received Initials No

*ELECTION OF PARISH COUNCILLORS for the *[ward of the] if applicable

parish of *Delete whichever is inappropriate

Date of election:

You must complete Part 1 Only complete Part 2 if you do not wish your home address to be made public

Part 1: To be completed by all candidates in England

Full name of candidate

Home address (in full)

Qualifying address: Add your qualifying address, or qualifying addresses (in full) to each of the relevant qualifications below (you can complete more than one qualification). Qualifcations that apply Address

(a) I am registered as a local government elector for the area of the parish named above

(b) I have, during the whole of the preceding 12 months occupied as owner or tenant land or other premises in the parish named above (c) my principal or only place of work during the preceding 12 months has been in the parish named above (d) I have during the whole of the preceding 12 months resided in the parish named above or within 4.8 kilometres of it.

Full name of the person who will witness the candidate’s consent to nomination form

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Full home address of the person who will witness the candidate’s consent to nomination form

Part 2: To be completed only if you do not wish your home address to be made public. Note: Please submit this part (part 2) of the home address form with your nomination papers, even if your home address is to be made public. If you request that your home address is not made public then your address will not appear on the statement of persons nominated, notice of poll or the ballot paper. Instead the name of the relevant area in which your home address is situated (or country, if outside the UK), as explained below, will appear on the statement of persons nominated, notice of poll and the ballot papers.

Statement: I require my home address not to be made public

The relevant area my home address is situated in: (insert name of relevant area)2 OR My home address is situated outside the UK. My home address is situated in: (insert name of country)

Signature of candidate (only required where Part 2 above has been completed)

Candidate’s signature:

2 the name of the “relevant area” in which your home address is situated (if your home address is in the UK) • For home addresses in England: - if the address is within a district for which there is a district council, that district; - if the address is within a county in which there are no districts with councils, that county; - if the address is within a London borough, that London borough; - if the address is within the City of London (including the Inner and Middle Temples), the City of London; and - if the address is within the Isles of Scilly, the Isles of Scilly • For home addresses in Wales: - if the address is within a county, that county; - if the address is within a county borough, that county borough • For home addresses in Scotland: - the local government area in which the address is situated • For home addresses in Northern Ireland: - the local government district in which the address is situated Note: The relevant area should be given in the format described above and is not the ward or parish, nor should the local authority name be given in full

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Date:

Deliver both Parts 1 and 2 with the nomination form to the Returning Officer by no later than 4pm on the last day to deliver nominations

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1c – Candidate’s consent to nomination Office use only Parish elections in England Date received Time received Initials No

*You must declare that you meet at least one of the listed qualification(s) below. To do this, strike through any that do not apply. Any qualification(s) that apply must match the information given on your home address form. Date of election:

I (name in full):

hereby consent to my nomination as a * ward [if candidate for election as councillor for the: applicable]

of the *parish of:

I declare that on the day of my nomination, I am qualified and that, if there is a poll on the day of election, I will be qualified to be so elected by virtue of being on that day or those days a qualifying Commonwealth citizen, a citizen of the Republic of Ireland or a citizen of a Member State of the European Union, who has attained the age of 18 years and that *a. I am registered as a local government elector for the area of the parish named above; or

*b. I have, during the whole of the 12 months preceding that day or those days occupied as owner or tenant land or other premises in the parish named above; or *c. my principal or only place of work during those 12 months has been in the parish named above; or *d. I have during the whole of those 12 months resided in that parish named above or within 4.8 kilometres of it. I declare that to the best of my knowledge and belief I am not disqualified for being elected by reason of any disqualification set out in, or decision made under, section 80 of the Local Government Act 1972 or section 34 of the Localism Act 2011 (copies of which are printed overleaf).

Date of birth: Signature: Date of consent:

Witness: I confirm the above-mentioned candidate signed the declaration in my presence.

Witness (name in full):

Witness’s signature:

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Candidate’s consent to nomination Parish election in England Local Government Act 1972 80. Disqualifications for election and holding office as member of local authority. (1) Subject to the provisions of section 81 below, a person shall be disqualified for being elected or being a member of a local authority if he – (a) holds any paid office or employment (other than the office of chairman, vice- chairman, deputy chairman, presiding member or deputy presiding member or, in the case of a local authority which are operating executive arrangements which involve a leader and cabinet executive, the office of executive leader or member of the executive) appointments or elections to which are or may be made or confirmed by the local authority or any committee or sub-committee of the authority or by a joint committee or National Park authority on which the authority are represented or by any person holding any such office or employment; or (b) is the subject of a bankruptcy restrictions order or an interim bankruptcy restrictions order, or a debt relief restrictions order under Schedule 4ZB of the Insolvency Act 1986; or (c) [This has been removed and no longer applies] (d) has within five years before the day of election or since his election been convicted in the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man of any offence and has had passed on him a sentence of imprisonment (whether suspended or not) for a period of not less than three months without the option of a fine; or (e) is disqualified for being elected or for being a member of that authority under Part III of the Representation of the People Act 1983. (2) Subject to the provisions of section 81 below, a paid officer of a local authority who is employed under the direction of – (a) a committee or sub-committee of the authority any member of which is appointed on the nomination of some other local authority; or (b) a joint board, joint authority, economic prosperity board, combined authority, joint waste authority or joint committee on which the authority are represented and any member of which is so appointed; shall be disqualified for being elected or being a member of that other local authority. (2AA) A paid member of staff of the Greater London Authority who is employed under the direction of a joint committee the membership of which includes – (a) one or more persons appointed on the nomination of the Authority acting by the Mayor, and (b) one or more members of one or more London borough councils appointed to the committee on the nomination of those councils, shall be disqualified for being elected or being a member of any of those London borough councils. (2A) Subsection (2) above shall have effect as if the reference to a joint board included a reference to a National Park authority.

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Candidate’s consent to nomination Parish election in England

(2B) For the purposes of this section a local authority shall be treated as represented on a National Park authority if it is entitled to make any appointment of a local authority member of the National Park authority. (3) Subsection (1)(a) shall have effect in relation to a teacher in a school maintained by the local authority who does not hold an employment falling within that provision as it has effect in relation to a teacher in such a school who holds such an employment. (5) For the purposes of subsection (1)(d) above, the ordinary date on which the period allowed for making an appeal or application with respect to the conviction expires or, if such an appeal or application is made, the date on which the appeal or application is finally disposed of or abandoned or fails by reason of the non- prosecution thereof shall be deemed to be the date of the conviction. 81. Exception to provisions of section 80 (4) Section 80(2) and (3) above shall not operate so to disqualify – (a) any person by reason of his being a teacher, or otherwise employed, in a school or other educational institution maintained or assisted by a county council for being a member of a district council by reason that the district council nominates members of the education committee of the county council Localism Act 2011 Section 34(4) describes how a person may be disqualified from standing in local government elections under this section. The remaining provisions of section 34 do not directly affect a person’s entitlement to stand for election 34 Offences (1) A person commits an offence if, without reasonable excuse, the person— (a) fails to comply with an obligation imposed on the person by section 30(1) or 31(2), (3) or (7), (b) participates in any discussion or vote in contravention of section 31(4), or (c) takes any steps in contravention of section 31(8). (2) A person commits an offence if under section 30(1) or 31(2), (3) or (7) the person provides information that is false or misleading and the person— (a) knows that the information is false or misleading, or (b) is reckless as to whether the information is true and not misleading. (3) A person who is guilty of an offence under this section is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.

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Candidate’s consent to nomination Parish election in England

(4) A court dealing with a person for an offence under this section may (in addition to any other power exercisable in the person's case) by order disqualify the person, for a period not exceeding five years, for being or becoming (by election or otherwise) a member or co-opted member of the relevant authority in question or any other relevant authority. (5) A prosecution for an offence under this section is not to be instituted except by or on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions. (6) Proceedings for an offence under this section may be brought within a period of 12 months beginning with the date on which evidence sufficient in the opinion of the prosecutor to warrant the proceedings came to the prosecutor's knowledge. (7) But no such proceedings may be brought more than three years— (a) after the commission of the offence, or (b) in the case of a continuous contravention, after the last date on which the offence was committed. (8) A certificate signed by the prosecutor and stating the date on which such evidence came to the prosecutor's knowledge is conclusive evidence of that fact; and a certificate to that effect and purporting to be so signed is to be treated as being so signed unless the contrary is proved. (9) The Local Government Act 1972 is amended as follows. (10) In section 86(1)(b) (authority to declare vacancy where member becomes disqualified otherwise than in certain cases) after “ 2000 ” insert “ or section 34 of the Localism Act 2011 ”. (11) In section 87(1)(ee) (date of casual vacancies)— (a) after “2000” insert “ or section 34 of the Localism Act 2011 or ”, and (b) after “decision” insert “ or order ”. (12) The Greater London Authority Act 1999 is amended as follows. (13) In each of sections 7(b) and 14(b) (Authority to declare vacancy where Assembly member or Mayor becomes disqualified otherwise than in certain cases) after sub-paragraph (i) insert— “(ia) under section 34 of the Localism Act 2011,”. (14) In section 9(1)(f) (date of casual vacancies)— (a) before “or by virtue of” insert “ or section 34 of the Localism Act 2011 ”, and (b) after “that Act” insert “ of 1998 or that section ”.

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2 – Certificate of authorisation Office use only Parish elections in England Date received Time received Initials No

To accompany the nomination of a candidate standing on behalf of a registered political party. (Note: candidates standing on behalf of two or more parties require a certificate from each party and each must allow the same registered joint description to be used). This certificate must be issued by the registered Nominating Officer of the party or by a person authorised to sign on their behalf. This certificate authorises the candidate to use a specific registered description or the name of the party as registered with the Electoral Commission, or to use ‘any registered description or the party name as registered with the Electoral Commission’. This authorised party name or description can then be included by the candidate on the nomination form. It is this which will appear as their description on the ballot paper. Party names and registered descriptions are listed on the Electoral Commission’s website (http://search.electoralcommission.org.uk). Details of candidate to be authorised and the allowed description/party name

[Ward]/parish Date of name: election:

The candidate (name in full):

Name of political party: Political party registered with the Electoral Commission

I hereby certify that the candidate may include the following registered description or party name in their nomination form: Note: it is an offence to sign this form if you are not the party’s registered nominating officer or authorised to do so by the party’s registered nominating officer

Signature of party’s registered Nominating Officer (or person authorised by the registered Nominating Officer):

Name of person signing this form:

Date:

This form must be delivered to the Returning Officer by no later than 4pm on the last day to deliver nominations.

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3 – Request for a party emblem Office use only Parish elections in England Date received Time received Initials No

This form is for a candidate of a political party who is subject to a certificate of authorisation and who wishes to have a party emblem printed on the ballot paper next to their name. Party emblems are listed on the Electoral Commission’s website (http://search.electoralcommission.org.uk). This form must be signed by the candidate.

Candidate’s request for use of an emblem

Date of [Ward]/parish name: election:

Candidate name in full:

I request that the ballot paper shall contain, against my name, the following registered emblem (please identify which emblem if the party has registered more than one):

Emblem to be used (Please use name or description as on the Electoral Commission’s website):

Candidate’s signature:

Date:

This form is only effective if delivered for a candidate standing on behalf of a political party to the Returning Officer by no later than 4pm on the last day to deliver nominations. Candidates standing on behalf of more than one political party and using a joint description may choose one emblem from one of the parties that you are standing for. Please indicate the name of the party and the emblem name in the ‘Emblem to be used’ box above.

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Parish / community council election Notice of withdrawal

*Election of councillors / a councillor for (*Delete whichever is inappropriate) Ward (if warded)

of Council

Date of election:

To be completed by candidates seeking to withdraw their nomination and to be delivered to the Returning Officer at the place fixed for the delivery of nomination papers by 4pm on [19 working days before poll]. If the candidate is outside the United Kingdom please contact the Returning Officer for further advice.

I (candidate’s name)

of (address of candidate)

having been nominated, withdraw my nomination as a candidate for the above election.

Section 1 – To be completed by the candidate in the presence of a witness

Signature of candidate Date

Section 2 – to be completed by witness

Signature of witness Date

Print name of witness (in BLOCK CAPITALS)

The data controller will only use the information you have provided on this form for electoral purposes and will look after your personal information securely, following data protection legislation. The data controller will not give personal information about you and the personal information you may provide on other people to anyone else or another organisation unless required by law.

The lawful basis to collect the information in this form is that it is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest and exercise of official authority as vested in the Returning Officer as set out in Representation of the People Act 1983 and associated regulations. The Returning Officer is the Data Controller. For further information relating to the processing of personal data you should refer to their privacy notice on their website.

For official use only

Lodged ______(date) ______(time) ______This document was classified as: OFFICIAL

This document was classified as: OFFICIAL Request for electoral register

Name of electoral area: (e.g. ward / division / Date of constituency / region / election voting area / combined authority)

This form must be submitted to the Electoral Registration Officer for the electoral area. Some elections/referendums cover more than one registration area so you may need to apply to each area.

This form must be completed by the candidate, except in the case of party lists such as at GLA London Member, European Parliament, Scottish Parliamentary regional or Welsh Assembly regional elections where this form must be completed by the election agent.

Declaration of candidacy and confirmation of legal use of electoral register information

Name of Candidate / party list election agent

I declare that I am a candidate / party list election agent at the above named election. I will use my copy of the electoral register for electoral purposes and checking the validity of donations only. I will only allow others who are assisting me in my campaign to use my copy of the electoral register for the same purposes only. I understand that any use other than for electoral or donation checking purposes is illegal and is punishable by a fine. In England and Wales, the fine is unlimited; in Scotland the fine can be up to £5,000. My request is for the register as at the last date for notice of election and any revisions or notices of amendment while I am a candidate.

Signed (Candidate / party list election agent)

Delivery details My application is for the electoral register in (tick one box only): Paper format Data format

Delivery address:

Contact details (in case of query) Telephone Mobile

Email

This electoral register can only be supplied when you officially become a candidate. Further information on this is contained in Part 4 of our guidance for candidates and agents.

This document was classified as: OFFICIAL

We will only use the information you give us on this form for electoral purposes. We will look after your personal information securely and we will follow data protection legislation. We will not give personal information about you, or any personal information you may provide on other people, to anyone else or another organisation unless we have to by law.

The lawful basis to collect the information in this form is that it is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest and exercise of official authority as vested in the Electoral Registration Officer as set out in Representation of the People Act 1983 and associated regulations.

The Electoral Registration Officer is the Data Controller. You can find their contact details at www.yourvotematters.co.uk

For further information relating to the processing of personal data you should refer to their privacy notice on their website. You can find their website address at www.yourvotematters.co.uk This document was classified as: OFFICIAL Request for a copy of the lists of postal and proxy voters

Name of electoral area: (e.g ward/division/constituency/region/ Date of election voting area/combined authority)

The lists of postal and proxy voters are maintained and held locally by the Electoral Registration Officer. Some elections/referendums cover more than one registration area so you may need to make separate requests to each of the relevant Electoral Registration Officers. Contact details can be found on www.yourvotematters.co.uk.

This form must be completed by the candidate, except in the case of party lists such as at GLA London Member, European Parliament, Scottish Parliamentary regional or Welsh Assembly regional elections where this form must be completed by the election agent.

The data controller will only use the information you provide on this form for electoral purposes and will look after your personal information securely, following data protection legislation. The data controller will not give personal information about you and the personal information you may provide on other people to anyone else or another organisation unless required to by law.

The lawful basis to collect the information in this form is that it is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest and exercise of official authority as vested in the Electoral Registration Officer as set out in Representation of the People Act 1983 and associated regulations.

The Electoral Registration Officer is the data controller. You can find their contact details at www.yourvotematters.co.uk.

For further information relating to the processing of personal data you should refer to their privacy notice on the data controller’s website. You can find their website address at www.yourvotematters.co.ukDeclaration of candidacy and confirmation of legal use of absent vote list information

Name of Candidate / party list election agent

I declare that I am a candidate / party list election agent at the above named election. I will use my copy of the absent vote list (postal and/or proxy voters list) for electoral purposes only. I will only allow others who are assisting me in my campaign to use my copy of this data for the same purposes only. I understand that any use other than electoral purposes is illegal and is punishable by a fine. In England and Wales, the fine is unlimited; in Scotland, the fine can be up to £5,000.

Signed (Candidate / party list election agent)

Application and delivery details My application is for the absent vote list in (you may tick as many boxes that you wish): The current list of postal voters The current list of proxy voters The final list of postal voters The final list of proxy voters This document was classified as: OFFICIAL

Please supply the data in (please tick one box only): Paper format Data format

Delivery address:

Contact details (in case of query) Telephone Mobile Email

This document was classified as: OFFICIAL (Name of election) Appointment of postal vote agents

Postal vote agents may be appointed by the candidate or their election agent using this form. Contact the elections office to find out the maximum number that you may appoint. Name of Local authority / combined authority / voting area: Name of ward / division / constituency / region / voting

area / constituent council (if different from above) Name of candidate:

Signature of candidate or

election agent:

I appoint the following people as agents to attend postal vote openings:

Name of postal vote agent Address of postal vote agent

This document was classified as: OFFICIAL

The data controller will only use the information you have provided on this form for electoral purposes and will look after your personal information securely, following data protection legislation. The data controller will not give personal information about you and the personal information you may provide on other people to anyone else or another organisation unless required by law.

The lawful basis to collect the information in this form is that it is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest and exercise of official authority as vested in the Returning Officer as set out in Representation of the People Act 1983 and associated regulations.

The Returning Officer is the Data Controller. For further information relating to the processing of personal data you should refer to their privacy notice on their website.

This document was classified as: OFFICIAL

Appointment of polling agents

Polling agents can be appointed using this form by the candidate.1 Contact the relevant Returning Officer to find the deadline by which this form must be delivered.

Local authority / combined

authority / voting area: Name of ward / division / constituency / region / voting

area / constituent council (if different from above) Name of candidate (Optional:

include description, if any): Signature of candidate or

election agent:

I appoint the following people as polling agents:

Name and address of polling agent List of polling stations to which they are (include postcode) appointed

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Name and address of polling agent List of polling stations to which they are (include postcode) appointed

The data controller will only use the information you have provided on this form for electoral purposes and will look after your personal information securely, following data protection legislation. The data controller will not give personal information about you and the personal information you may provide on other people to anyone else or another organisation unless required by law. This document was classified as: OFFICIAL

The lawful basis to collect the information in this form is that it is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest and exercise of official authority as vested in the Returning Officer as set out in Representation of the People Act 1983 and associated regulations.

The Returning Officer is the Data Controller. For further information relating to the processing of personal data you should refer to their privacy notice on their website.

1 An election agent can also use this form to appoint polling agents but only at: UK Parliamentary elections, local authority mayoral, combined authority mayoral, police and crime commissioner, Scottish local government, Greater London Authority, Senedd Cymru and Scottish Parliamentary elections.

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Appointment of counting agents

Counting agents may be appointed using this form by the candidate.1 Contact the relevant Returning Officer to find the deadline by which this form must be delivered and the maximum number of counting agents that may be appointed. In some elections, ONE counting agent may be designated as able to request a re-count.2 They can be selected by ticking the box in the ‘DCA’ column below. Local authority / combined

authority / voting area: Name of ward / division / constituency / region / voting

area / constituent council (if different from above): Name of candidate:

Signature of candidate or

election agent:

I appoint the following people as counting agents:

Address of counting agent (including Name of counting agent DCA postcode)

The data controller will only use the information you have provided on this form for electoral purposes and will look after your personal information securely, following data protection legislation. The data controller will not give personal information about you and the personal information you may provide on other people to anyone else or another organisation unless required by law. This document was classified as: OFFICIAL

The lawful basis to collect the information in this form is that it is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest and exercise of official authority as vested in the Returning Officer as set out in Representation of the People Act 1983 and associated regulations.

The Returning Officer is the Data Controller. For further information relating to the processing of personal data you should refer to their privacy notice on their website.

1 An election agent can also use this form to appoint counting agents but only at: UK Parliamentary elections, local authority mayoral, combined authority mayoral, police and crime commissioner, Greater London Authority, National Assembly for Wales, Scottish local government, and Scottish Parliamentary elections. 2 This applies at combined authority mayoral, police and crime commissioner, Greater London Authority, and National Assembly for Wales (regional contest only) elections. Code of conduct for campaigners: electoral registration, postal voting, proxy voting and polling stations

Campaigners are an essential element of a healthy democracy, and their right to put their arguments to voters should be supported and protected. It is equally important, however, to ensure that the activities of campaigners do not bring into question the integrity of the electoral process.

This Code provides a guide for campaigners, electoral administrators and police forces to what is, and is not, considered acceptable behaviour at polling stations and in the community during the lead-up to polling day.

As a guiding principle, if there is any doubt about a particular activity, campaigners should ask themselves “What would a reasonable observer think?”

More detailed guidance about electoral offences can be found in the guidance for candidates and agents, which is available at: http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am- a/candidate-or-agent

The Code has been sent to all registered political parties in Great Britain, and Returning Officers will draw it to the attention of all candidates and parties contesting elections.

Some Returning Officers may identify the need to develop and seek agreement to specific local provisions which supplement the terms of this Code, in order to address identified local risks. Returning Officers must consult with local campaigners and the relevant national Nominating Officers as well as police forces to secure appropriate local agreement to such provisions, and should ensure that they are communicated and well- understood by campaigners locally.

Scope of this code

This code covers all those actively involved in campaigning in elections or referendums in Great Britain. All references to campaigners in this code include:

• Candidates standing at an election, their agents and their staff and supporters • Political party officers, members and supporters campaigning at an election • Other people and organisations campaigning for or against a candidate, a group of candidates or a party at an election • People and organisations campaigning for or against a particular outcome at a referendum

Compliance with this code

Any concerns that this code has been breached should be raised first with the candidate, political party or campaigner in question. Any further concerns should be drawn to the attention of the Electoral Commission. The Commission will raise them with the relevant party or campaigner if appropriate, and will agree appropriate actions to remedy or prevent a reoccurrence of any breach.

1 Electoral registration and absent vote applications

1.1 Campaigners should be free to encourage voters to register to vote and apply to vote by post or appoint a proxy to vote on their behalf, if that is the most convenient way for them to vote.

Campaigners can help to inform voters about how to participate in elections, and Electoral Registration Officers should support you by providing you with a reasonable number of registration and absent vote application forms on request. Voters can also register online at: www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

1.2 Campaigners should ensure that any electoral registration forms and postal or proxy voting application forms conform fully to the requirements of electoral law, including all the necessary questions and the options open to electors.

You can download electoral registration forms from www.gov.uk/register-to-vote and absent vote application forms from www.aboutmyvote.co.uk

1.3 Campaigners should ensure that the local Electoral Registration Officer’s address is clearly provided as the preferred address for the return of registration and absent vote application forms.

To ensure voters can make their own choice about how to return registration or absent vote application forms, you should always clearly provide the relevant Electoral Registration Officer’s address as the preferred return address, even if an alternative address is also given. This will also minimise the risk of suspicion that completed applications could be altered or inadvertently lost or destroyed.

1.4 Campaigners should send on unaltered any completed registration or absent vote application forms given to them to the relevant Electoral Registration Officer’s address within two working days of receipt.

To minimise the risk of absent vote applications being refused because completed forms arrive with the Electoral Registration Officer after the statutory deadline before a poll, you must ensure that there is no unnecessary delay in forwarding on application forms which you receive directly.

1.5 Campaigners should always explain to electors the implications of applying to vote by post or appointing a proxy.

It is important that electors understand that they will not be able to vote in person on polling day if they or their proxy apply for and are granted a postal vote, and will not be able to vote in person if their appointed proxy has already voted on their behalf. To avoid duplication and unnecessary administrative pressures for Electoral Registration Officers, campaigners should try to ensure that electors who are included in current postal or proxy voter lists, or have already applied for a postal or proxy vote for a particular poll, do not submit an additional application. Postal vote applications

1.6 Campaigners should never encourage electors to have their postal ballot pack redirected to anywhere other than the address where they are registered to vote.

Electors should take care to protect their ballot paper and postal ballot pack, and they will be best able to do so at their home address unless there are compelling reasons why receiving the postal ballot pack at the address where they are registered to vote would be impractical. Electors must state on the application form the reason why they need their postal ballot pack sent to another address.

Proxy vote applications

1.7 Electors should be encouraged to explore other options for people to act as a proxy – including relatives or neighbours, for example – before a campaigner agrees to be appointed as a proxy.

To minimise the risk of suspicions that campaigners may be seeking to place undue pressure on electors, electors should not be encouraged to appoint a campaigner as their proxy.

2 Postal voting ballot papers

2.1 Campaigners should never touch or handle anyone else’s ballot paper.

If you are asked for assistance in completing a ballot paper, you should always refer the voter to the Returning Officer’s staff at the elections office who may be able to arrange a home visit if necessary. Assistance will also be available for electors at polling stations.

2.2 Campaigners should never observe voters completing their ballot paper. If you are with a voter when they complete their ballot paper, remember they should always complete it in secret.

You should ensure that the voter seals both envelopes personally and immediately after completing their ballot paper and postal voting statement. If you are asked to give advice, it is acceptable and often helpful to explain the voting process, but do not offer to help anyone to complete their ballot paper.

2.3 Campaigners should never handle or take any completed ballot paper or postal ballot packs from voters.

Wherever practical, you should encourage voters to post or deliver the completed postal ballot pack themselves. If you are approached or asked for help by a voter who is unable to post their completed postal ballot pack or make any other arrangements for it to be returned in time, you should contact the Returning Officer to ask them to arrange for it to be collected. The Returning Officer may agree that it would be in the voter’s best interest for you to deliver the completed postal ballot pack to the relevant office or polling station, if there are no feasible alternative options.

3 Campaigning outside polling places

3.1 Campaigners should be allowed to put their messages to voters on polling day, including in public spaces outside polling places.

Polling station staff and police officers should not seek to discourage or remove campaigners who are otherwise peacefully communicating with voters, as long as they are not within or impeding access to the grounds of the polling place. You should be careful, however, to ensure that your approach is proportionate and should recognise that groups of supporters may be perceived as intimidating by voters. 3.2 Campaigners should keep access to polling places and the pavements around polling places clear to allow voters to enter.

The Presiding Officer is responsible for maintaining order in the polling place, and you may be asked to move by polling station staff or police officers if you are impeding access by voters to a polling place.

4 Complaints and allegations about electoral fraud

4.1 Campaigners should be prepared to give the police a statement and substantiate any allegations of electoral fraud they make.

The police will investigate allegations where someone is prepared to provide evidence or a statement in support of the complaint, but unsubstantiated claims about electoral fraud have the potential to damage confidence in the integrity of the electoral process. You should ensure you are confident that evidence can be provided to the police before considering whether it is appropriate to publicise any specific allegation.

4.2 Campaigners who are concerned or think that electoral fraud may have taken place should raise the matter with their election agent or local party, or with the relevant Electoral Registration Officer or Returning Officer for the area.

They may be able to explain whether or not an election-related crime has been committed, and refer it to the police if appropriate or provide details of the police contact for the relevant area so that campaigners can report their allegation. Concerns about breaches of the political finance rules should be raised directly with the Electoral Commission.

4.3 Any campaigner who has actual evidence that an electoral offence has been committed should report it directly and without delay to the police.

If appropriate, the police will investigate the matter. Every police force has designated a Single Point of Contact (known as a SPOC) to lead on election matters and who will deal directly with the matter or give advice to local police officers. The Electoral Commission can help provide contact details for local police force SPOCs.

Agreed and effective from December 2015 This document was classified as: OFFICIAL

Notification of secrecy requirements – postal voting Section 66 of the Representation of the People Act 1983 (as amended)

(4) Every person attending the proceedings in connection with the issue or the receipt of ballot papers for persons voting by post shall maintain and aid in maintaining the secrecy of the voting and shall not –

(a) except for some purpose authorised by law, communicate, before the poll is closed, to any person any information obtained at those proceedings as to the official mark; or

(b) except for some purpose authorised by law, communicate to any person at any time any information obtained at those proceedings as to the number or other unique identifying mark on the back of the ballot paper sent to any person; or

(c) except for some purpose authorised by law, attempt to ascertain at the proceedings in connection with the receipt of ballot papers the number or other unique identifying mark on the back of any ballot paper; or

(d) attempt to ascertain at the proceedings in connection with the receipt of the ballot papers the candidate for whom any vote is given in any particular ballot paper or communicate any information with respect thereto obtain at those proceedings.

[ ... ]

(6) If a person acts in contravention of this section he shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months.

This document was classified as: OFFICIAL

Notification of secrecy requirements – the poll Section 66 of the Representation of the People Act 1983 (as amended)

(1) The following persons –

(a) every returning officer and every presiding officer or clerk attending at a polling station,

(b) every candidate or election agent or polling agent so attending

(c) every person so attending by virtue of any of sections 6A to 6D of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000

shall maintain and aid in maintaining the secrecy of voting and shall not, except for some purpose authorised by law, communicate to any person before the poll is closed any information as to –

(i) the name of any elector or proxy for an elector who has or has not applied for a ballot paper or voted at a polling station;

(ii) the number on the register of electors of any elector who, or whose proxy, has or has not applied for a ballot paper or voted at a polling station; or

(iii) the official mark.

[...]

(3) No person shall –

(a) interfere with or attempt to interfere with a voter when recording his vote;

(b) otherwise obtain or attempt to obtain in a polling station information as to the candidate for whom a voter in that station is about to vote or has voted;

(c) communicate at any time to any person any information obtained in a polling station as to the candidate for whom a voter in that station is about to vote or has voted, or as to the number or other unique identifying mark on the back of the ballot paper given to a voter at that station;

This document was classified as: OFFICIAL

(d) directly or indirectly induce a voter to display his ballot paper after he has marked it so as to make known to any person the name of the candidate for whom he has or has not voted.

[...]

(5) No person having undertaken to assist a blind voter to vote shall communicate at any time to any person any information as to the candidate for whom that voter intends to vote or has voted, or as to the number or other unique identifying mark on the back of the ballot paper given for the use of that voter.

(6) If a person acts in contravention of this section he shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months.

This document was classified as: OFFICIAL

Notification of secrecy requirements – the count Section 66 of the Representation of the People Act 1983 (as amended)

[ ... ]

(2) Every person attending at the counting of the votes shall maintain and aid in maintaining the secrecy of voting and shall not –

(a) ascertain or attempt to ascertain at the counting of the votes the number or other unique identifying mark on the back of any ballot paper;

(b) communicate any information obtained at the counting of the votes as to the candidate for whom any vote is given on any particular ballot paper.

[ ... ]

(6) If a person acts in contravention of this section he shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months.

This document was classified as: OFFICIAL Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council Polling Station List (May be subject to change)

PCC Election, TVCA Mayoral Election, Borough Ward & Town Council by Elections Thursday 6 May 2021

Reference Address Districts 1 Billingham Baptist Church, Cheviot Crescent, Billingham, TS23 2PR BC1 2 The Medway Centre, Annex of Holy Rosary Church, Sidlaw Road, BC2 Billingham, TS23 2EP 3 St. Aidan`s Church, Hall Entrance, Tintern Avenue, Billingham, TS23 BC3 2DF 4 Billingham Library & Customer Services Centre, Billingham Town BC4 Centre, Billingham, TS23 2LN 5 New Life Family Centre, Low Grange Avenue, Billingham, TS23 BE1 3EQ 6 McLean Scout Centre, Synthonia Scout Group, Greenwood Road, BE2 Billingham, TS23 4BA 7 Low Grange Community Centre, Low Grange Avenue, Billingham, BE3,BE4 TS23 3PF 8 Elm Tree Community Centre - Main Hall, Entrance to the rear of the BET1,BET2 Centre, Elm Tree Avenue, Stockton on Tees, TS19 0UW 9 Elm Tree Community Centre, The Oak Room - Front Entrance, Elm BET3 Tree Avenue, Elm Tree, Stockton-on-Tees, TS19 0UW 10 High Grange Community Centre, Casson Way, Billingham, TS23 BN1 3TX 11 North Billingham Methodist Church, Activity Room - rear of the BN2,BN3 Church, Marsh House Avenue, Billingham, TS23 3TG 12 North Billingham Methodist Church, Front Door, Marsh House BN4 Avenue, Billingham, TS23 3TG 13 St. John`s R.C. Church, Parish Meeting Room at rear of church, BS1 Central Avenue, Billingham, TS23 1LR 14 Clarence`s Resource and Community Centre, Port Clarence Road, BS2 Middlesbrough, TS2 1TW 15 St. Cuthbert`s Church Hall, Church Road, Billingham Green, BS3 Billingham, TS23 1BW 16 East Avenue Community Centre, The Annex, East Avenue, BS4 Billingham, TS23 1BY 17 MonkSeaton Community Hall, Matlock Gardens, Wolviston Court, BW1 Billingham, TS22 5JN 18 Wolviston Court Community Centre, Main Hall, Clifton Avenue, BW2 Billingham, TS22 5DE 19 Parkmore Hotel, 636 Road, Eaglescliffe, Stockton on Tees, EG1 TS16 0DH 20 Egglescliffe Community Centre, Durham Lane, Eaglescliffe, TS16 EG2,EG5,EG6 0EH 21 Egglescliffe Community Centre, Durham Lane, Eaglescliffe, TS16 EG3 0EH 22 All Saints Nave, Dunnottar Avenue, Eaglescliffe, Stockton on Tees, EG4,EG8 TS16 0AB 23 Egglescliffe Parish Hall, Small Hall - Disabled Entrance, Butts Lane, EG7 Egglescliffe, Stockton on Tees, TS16 9BU 24 Fairfield Centre (Old Boys Club), 45 Limbrick Avenue, Fairfield, FF1 Stockton on Tees, TS19 7NN 25 Fairfield Centre (Old Boys Club), 45 Limbrick Avenue, Fairfield, FF2 Stockton on Tees, TS19 7NN 26 Stockton Town Football Club, Bishopton Road West, Stockton on GF1 Tees, TS19 0QD This document was classified as: OFFICIAL Polling Station List PCC Election, TVCA Mayoral Election, Borough Ward & Town Council by Elections Thursday 6 May 2021

27 Grange Estate Institute - Main Door, 9 - 11 Grays Road, Stockton- GF2 on-Tees, TS18 4LN 28 The Grangefield Centre, Oxbridge Lane, Stockton on Tees, TS18 GF3 4HY 29 Hartburn Sea Scouts Hut - Main Entrance, Greens Grove, Hartburn, GF4 Stockton on Tees, TS18 5AW 30 Elmwood Community Centre, Conference Room, 53 Darlington HB1 Road, Stockton on Tees, TS18 5EP 31 Holy Trinity with St Mark Church, The Vestry, Upsall Grove, HB2 Stockton on Tees, TS19 7QU 32 Hardwick Community Centre, Whessoe Road, Hardwick, Stockton HD1 on Tees, TS19 8LB 33 Salters Lane Community Centre, Hunwick Walk, Salters Lane HD2 Estate, Stockton on Tees, TS19 8AF 34 Hardwick Baptist Church, Piper Knowle Road, Hardwick, Stockton HD3 on Tees, TS19 8JQ 35 Whinstone Primary School, Nursery Unit, Lowfields Avenue, Ingleby IBE1,IBE2 Barwick, Stockton on Tees, TS17 0RJ 36 Community Centre, Haresfield Way, Ingleby Barwick, Stockton on IBE3 Tees, TS17 0YL 37 Community Centre, Haresfield Way, Ingleby Barwick, Stockton on IBE4 Tees, TS17 0YL 38 Maltby Village Hall, High Lane, Maltby, Middlesbrough, TS8 0BG IBE5 39 Hilton Village Hall, Seamer Road, Hilton, Yarm, TS15 9LB IBE6 40 St. Francis of Assisi, Church Centre, Barwick Way, Ingleby Barwick, IBW1 Stockton on Tees, TS17 0WD 41 St. Francis of Assisi, Church Centre, Barwick Way, Ingleby Barwick, IBW2,IBW3 Stockton on Tees, TS17 0WD 42 IB Leisure, Activity Hall - Enter via fire door, Blair Avenue, Ingleby IBW4 Barwick, Stockton on Tees, TS17 5BL 43 The Rings Community Hub, The Rings, Ingleby Barwick, Stockton IBW5 on Tees, TS17 5LL 44 Rochester Court Sheltered House, Hairdressing Room-door to right MV1 of Main Entrance, Stanford Close, Teesdale, Stockton on Tees, TS17 6AZ 45 Victoria Park Community Hall, (Formerly Old Peoples Welfare Hall), MV2 Peel Street, Thornaby, Stockton on Tees, TS17 6HL 46 St Patricks RC Church Hall, Cranworth Street Entrance, Behind St MV3 Patricks Church, Stockton on Tees, TS17 6NW 47 Robert Atkinson Centre Room 2, Thorntree Road, Thornaby, MV4 Stockton on Tees, TS17 8AP 48 Robert Atkinson Centre - Room 1, Thorntree Road, Thornaby, MV5 Stockton on Tees, TS17 8AP 49 St Mary's Parish Hall, The Green, Norton, Stockton-on-Tees, TS20 NN1 1DT 50 Norton Methodist Church Hall, Norton Methodist Church, 439 Norton NN2 Road, Norton, Stockton on Tees, TS20 2QQ 51 Norton Grange Community Resource Centre, Somerset Road, NN3 Norton Grange, Stockton-on-Tees, TS20 2ND 52 Norton Christian Spiritualist Church, Community Room, 26 NN4 Darlington Lane, Norton, Stockton on Tees, TS20 1ER 53 Wynyard Golf Club, Wellington Drive, Wynyard, TS22 5QJ NP1 54 Wolviston Village Community Centre, West Hartlepool Road, NP2,NP3 Wolviston, Billingham, TS22 5LA 55 Grindon Parish Hall, Durham Road, Thorpe Thewles, Stockton-on- NP4 Tees, TS21 3JN This document was classified as: OFFICIAL Polling Station List PCC Election, TVCA Mayoral Election, Borough Ward & Town Council by Elections Thursday 6 May 2021

56 Malleable Club, Norton Road, Norton, Stockton on Tees, TS20 2PH NS1 57 St Michael & All Angels Church, Side Entrance, Imperial Avenue, NS2 Norton, Stockton on Tees, TS20 2EW 58 Albany Community Resource Centre, Front Room, Surrey Road, NS3,NS4 Norton, Stockton on Tees, TS20 2QZ 59 St. John's Church, Durham Road, Stockton on Tees, TS19 0DZ NT1 60 Newtown Resource Centre, Durham Road, Newtown, Stockton on NT2 Tees, TS19 0DE 61 Ragworth Neighbourhood Centre, St Johns Way, Stockton on Tees, NT3 TS19 0FB 62 St. Pauls Church Hall, Bishopton Road, Stockton on Tees, TS18 NT4 4PB 63 Norton Sports Village, Function Room, 74 Station Road, Norton, NW1,NW3 Stockton on Tees, TS20 1PE 64 Glebe Community Centre, Opposite Centenary Public House, NW2 Hanover Parade Shops, Glebe Estate, Stockton on Tees, TS20 1RB 65 Yarm Road Methodist Church Hall, Yarm Road, Stockton on Tees, PO1 TS18 3NW 66 Yarm Road Methodist Church Hall, Yarm Road, Stockton on Tees, PO2 TS18 3NW 67 Oxbridge Christian Fellowship, The Apostolic Church Main Entrance, PO3 65 Oxbridge Lane, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 4DN 68 Elim Pentecostal Church, Ragpath Lane, Roseworth, Stockton on RW1,RW2 Tees 69 St Chad`s Church, 110 Ragpath Lane, Stockton on Tees, TS19 9AY RW3 70 Eltham Crescent Community Centre, Eltham Crescent, Thornaby, SH1 Stockton on Tees 71 South Thornaby Community Centre, Front Door, Off Havilland Road, SH2 Thornaby, Stockton on Tees, TS17 9JG 72 Thornaby Central Library, Main Library, Wrightson House, Pavilion SH3 Shopping Centre, Thornaby, TS17 9EP 73 Register Office, Nightingale House, Balaclava Street, Stockton on STC1 Tees, TS18 2AL 74 Frank E. Wiseman Communal Hall, 28 Stewart Road, Stockton-on- STC2 Tees, TS20 2UP 75 The Willows Centre - Main Hall, Northport Road, Stockton-on-Tees, STC3 TS18 2HX 76 Stockton United Reformed Church, Yarm Lane, Stockton-on-Tees, STC4 TS18 1HU 77 Stockton Unitarian Church, Wellington Street, Stockton-on-Tees, STC5 TS18 1QQ 78 The Griffin, Bader Avenue, Thornaby, Stockton on Tees, TS17 0HE VL1,VL4 79 Christ The King RC Church, Trenchard Avenue, Thornaby, Stockton VL2,VL3 on Tees, TS17 0EG 80 Carlton Methodist Chapel, Letch Lane, Carlton, Stockton-on-Tees, WP1,WP3 TS21 1DX 81 Stillington Youth & Community Centre, Lowson Street, Stillington, WP2 Stockton on Tees, TS21 1JE 82 Wilson Centre Long Newton, Room 2, Darlington Road, Long WP4,WP5 Newton, Stockton on Tees, TS21 1DD 83 Yarm Cricket Club Pavilion, Leven Road, Yarm, TS15 9EY YM1,YM3 84 Layfield Primary School, The Hall, Everingham Road, Yarm, TS15 YM2,YM5 9TF 85 Yarm Community Centre, High Church Wynd, Yarm, TS15 9BQ YM4 86 & Castlelevington Memorial Hall, Pump Lane, YM6,YM7 Kirklevington, Yarm This document was classified as: OFFICIAL Polling Station List PCC Election, TVCA Mayoral Election, Borough Ward & Town Council by Elections Thursday 6 May 2021

This document was classified as: OFFICIAL

By-Elections – 6 May 2021 – Verification and Count

This note explains what you can expect to see happen at the verification of ballot papers and counting of the votes.

Important COVID Working Practices to be observed:

➢ Do not attend if you are awaiting a test result ➢ If you have any of the following coronavirus symptoms get a test and stay at home: o a high temperature o a new, continuous cough o a loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or taste ➢ Do not attend if you are required to self-isolate ➢ Face masks and visors should always be worn by all attendees in the Pavilion ➢ Maintain social distancing - where you cannot stay 2 metres apart, you should stay more than 1 metre apart and take additional steps to stay safe by following these guidelines ➢ Please bring your own food and drink and wash your hands before eating; do not share food ➢ Do not touch anything you don’t have to ➢ Do not touch your face ➢ Regularly use the hand sanitiser provided ➢ Regularly clean surfaces and equipment with the anti-viral wipes provided ➢ Do not car share unless this is with a member of your own household or support bubble

Please also note:

➢ Order and quiet are to be maintained throughout the count ➢ A Candidate, Election Agent, or Counting Agent shall not touch or handle any ballot paper; your role is to oversee proceedings ➢ No food or drink is to be placed on any of the tables ➢ No stilettos are permitted in the Count Hall in order to protect the sports hall flooring ➢ The Count Venue is a no smoking building and smoking in any part of the venue is not allowed ➢ Mobile phones should remain switched off within the Count Hall ➢ Flash cameras should not be used, and any photographs should not break the Secrecy Rules. ➢ In the event of a health and safety incident, the Pavilion reception must be notified who will take appropriate action. Please note the postcode to be used to call the emergency services to the Pavilion is TS17 9EW ➢ All areas are accessible to disabled visitors and guide dogs are permitted

Cont’d…

Printed and published by the Returning Officer, Municipal Buildings, PO Box 11, Church Road, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 1LD

This document was classified as: OFFICIAL

What can I expect to see at the verification of ballot papers?

On Thursday 6 May, following the close of poll at 10pm, Presiding Officers will deliver polling station ballot boxes and any final postal votes handed in at polling stations to Thornaby Pavilion. A final postal vote opening session will take place to deal with postal votes handed in at station prior to close of poll.

The verification of ballot papers will commence at 10pm.

The purpose of verification is to check that the number of ballot papers in a ballot box is the same as the number of ballot papers recorded as being issued by the Presiding Officer or sealed in each postal ballot box from the postal vote opening sessions. Each ballot box will be verified separately. If a discrepancy occurs, the verification procedures set out the additional steps that table supervisors can take to reconcile to the ballot paper account. Once all ballot boxes have been verified, the verified totals will be collated. Provisionally verified totals will be shared with Candidates and Agents and then announced to those present at each venue.

What can I expect to see at the counting of the votes?

Immediately following the verification of all polls on 6 May 2021, the counting of the votes for the District and Parish By-Elections will take place on a ward/ parish basis.

You will see counting based on the mini-count method; this means that each count table is a mini-count and ballot papers allocated at the start of the count will remain with that table at all times throughout the count process.

Doubtful ballot papers will be adjudicated at each mini-count table on a continuous rolling basis by the Returning Officer (RO) and her adjudication officers, in full view of any Candidates and Agents present. All rejected ballot papers will be stamped rejected and placed in wallets provided.

Tables will deal with one ward/ parish. Ballot papers will be sorted between Candidates face up and counted. Doubtful ballot papers will be placed in the trays awaiting adjudication.

For the Yarm Town Council count, as there are two seats being contested, the counting methods used will be “block votes” (removing party votes at the sorting stage) or “grass skirts” (sticking of ballot papers on to large sheet of card to total the votes) or a combination of both.

Once counting of the votes for each poll is complete, table supervisors will check that the total number of valid votes and rejected votes totals matches the verification total. The results from each mini count table will be reported to the control tables. When all boxes have been counted for each Ward/ Parish, the provisional figures will be shared with Candidates and Agents. The Returning Officer may decide to conduct a recount at the request of a candidate or election agent. If no recount is held the Returning Officer will declare the results.

Printed and published by the Returning Officer, Municipal Buildings, PO Box 11, Church Road, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 1LD This drawing should not be scaled. All Direction Observation dimensions must be checked on site and of Travel Point contractor report any ommissions or errors to the Contract Administrator Notes: This map is based upon Ordnance Survey material with the D15 UP permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of DRAYCOTT lift S2 Her Majesty's Stationery Office © Crown copyright. POSTAL VOTE MANAG. MARKET Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may D14 OFFICE OFFICE D13 UP lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Licence number 100023297. 2019 unisex ladies disabled svp wc D16 Revision Date By Note baby gents change urinals D12 store 1.0 13.10.20 sw 1m

EXIT new toilet cubicles EXIT PRESS OFFICE 2.0 13.10.20 sw 2m STORE PUBLIC AREA down CHILDRENS TOILET ENTRANCE 1.01 20.10.20 sw 1m 3 UP 9 15 1.02 20.10.20 sw 1m 16

2 10 1.03 10.11.20 sw 1m 4 8 1m SERVICE 1.04 10.11.20 sw 14

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DOORS TO BE HELD IN OPEN POSITION 18

DOORS TO BE HELD IN OPEN 12 POSITION EXIT

STAGE 6 MAIN STORE

HOIST

Election Count Layout SCALE = Custom @A3 REF. Construction and Facility Services 2020 Election count layout rev.6 Director of Community Services Jamie McCann Thornaby Pavilion REV. DRAWING NO. Municipal Buildings, Church Road, Stockton-on-Tees TS18 1LD DATE 04.02.21 CHECKED Stockton-on-Tees Telephone (01642) 393939 Wrightson House, Thornaby, Stockton-on-Tees This drawing should not be scaled. All dimensions must 0511.FP 0.7 BOROUGH COUNCIL be checked on site and contractor report any DRAWN SW/CRB ommissions or errors to the Contract Administrator TS17 9EW J:\Construction Facility Services\1. Building Surveyors Project File\0400-0549 Leisure\0511-Thornaby Pavilion\2020 Election count layout\Election layout 2020.dwg

This document was classified as: OFFICIAL

ELECTIONS 6 MAY 2021

Dear Candidate/ Agent

We would welcome feedback on your experiences during this election. If there is anything you liked, thought we could do better, or would like to comment on, we would really appreciate your views. You do not have to provide this information but your feedback will help us to plan for future elections.

Thank you Julie Danks, Returning Officer

IN YOUR ROLE AS CANDIDATE/ AGENT IN THE RECENT ELECTION: YES NO 1. Was the information provided as part of the nomination pack helpful? Please explain:

1. Was the information provided at Postal Vote Opening Sessions helpful? Please explain:

2. Was the information provided at the Count helpful? Please explain:

3. Did you receive the information you needed to take part? Please explains:

4. Did you have confidence that the process was well managed? Please explain:

7. Overall – were you happy with the service received? Provide comments overleaf if required

Please return to Julie Danks, RO, PO Box 11, Municipal Buildings, Church Road, Stockton-on-Tees TS18 1LD.

A box for feedback forms will also be situated in the Count Venue. Thank you.