Becoming a Councillor

Are you interested in becoming a councillor?

Read on to find out what its all about and how you can stand for election.

I would like to become a councillor - what do I do next?

The nomination process - once you have decided to stand for election as a District Councillor you will need to be proposed and seconded by two people and also have eight further people as assentors to your nomination. The nomination pack will include nomination forms, timetables and guidance notes. The timetable for the next district election is available upon request. As a candidate you will be invited to a meeting, held by the Council, to hear about postal votes, when the count of the votes will be held, where the polling stations are going to be and to ask any questions you may have. It is your opportunity, or your Agent's (see below), to present nomination papers to the Returning Officer before the statutory deadline.Do I have to belong to a political party or group?

No, although the majority of people become councillors as a result of joining a political party. However, some people stand for election as independents (candidates who do not belong to any political party)

What you will need to know before you complete your nomination form

• Do not leave it until the last minute, as there may be a mistake in your papers and you will need time to correct it
• When collecting your 10 signatures it is useful to take a copy of the voters' list with you. You can compare the name with that on the nomination form and write down the assentor's number. The name and number should be exactly the same.
• It is important to read the nomination papers and supporting material and make a careful note of when each of the various papers need to be returned. The Returning Officer can help with any queries.
• Make sure the people nominating or seconding you have nominated only you.

Electoral Register

In the run up to the election candidates can have a free copy of the electoral register (this lists the residents who can vote at the next election) for the ward for which they are standing and a map showing the ward boundaries.

What are Polling Agents and Counting Agents?

• These are all safeguards to ensure a fair election
• Polling Agents are people you can nominate to go into the polling stations to ensure that the polling stations are being run fairly. They cannot ask the presiding officer/polling clerks who has or has not voted
• Counting Agents are nominated to attend the count to ensure a fair and accurate count of votes· Do not leave it until the last minute, as there may be a mistake in your papers and you will need time to correct it

Do I need an Election Agent? 

• You can take on this role yourself but it is helpful to have an agent
• If you are in a political party, it may be that one person takes on the role of agent for several candidates
• It is the agent's responsibility to ensure that forms are sent in at the correct times and to keep a clear and accurate record of financial expenditure, to be submitted after the election
• You should work closely with your agent as a double check· These are all safeguards to ensure a fair election

 Election expenses - who pays?

If you decide to become a councillor and spend money on your campaign, it is important to note that you have to pay for your own publicity material, property, services or items used for the campaign. However, if you are a member of a political group or some other group, you may find that financial help is available. You will need to check this with your political party or group. Furthermore, although you or your party/group pays for the election expenses, you must keep all your receipts. You will need to submit a statement of election expenses, supported by receipts,shortly after the election. This is done to make sure that the money you spend on the election campaign does not go over the limit of £600, with an additional 5p for every entry in the ward register of elections for which you are seeking to be elected.

The local election process for Forest Heath District Council begins in March 2011, when a 'Notice of Election' will be published. If you are thinking about standing as a candidate you will have to formally submit your nomination papers.