Local Government Elections 2008
General information for candidates
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How do I become a county borough councillor?
You can stand as a candidate at a county borough election in Wales if you are:
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A British citizen or a citizen of the Irish Republic, the Commonwealth or another member state of the European Union; and: |
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You are at least 18 years old on the day that you hand in your nomination papers. |
You also have to meet at least one of the following four criteria:
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You are a registered local government elector in the local authority area, both on the day you are nominated and on election day (1 May 2008). You can check whether you are registered by contacting the Electoral Registration Office on (01656) 643116; or |
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You have lived in the local authority area during the whole of the 12 months before the day you are nominated and on election day; or |
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Your main or only place of work during the 12 months before the day you are nominated and on election day has been in the local authority area; or |
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You have occupied, either as an owner or tenant, any land or premises in the local authority area during the whole of the 12 months before the day you are nominated and on election day. |
Is there any reason why I cannot stand for election?
A person is disqualified from standing for election to Bridgend County Borough Council if he or she:
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Is employed by, or holds a paid office, under the local authority; |
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Is subject to a bankruptcy restrictions order or interim order; |
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Has been convicted of a criminal offence and sentenced to not less than three months imprisonment (including any suspended sentence) within the past five years; |
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Has been disqualified from holding office by order of an election court. |
The full range of disqualifications for candidates at local elections is complex. Candidates are strongly advised to consult the relevant legislation to ensure that none of the disqualifications apply, and if in doubt, to seek legal advice.
How do I get nominated?
If you have answered the questions above and you are eligible and not disqualified, you will need to complete a nomination form. This will need to be supported by 10 registered electors from within the electoral division where you are standing as a candidate.
The form must then be submitted to the Returning Officer. If you require assistance on completing the nomination form, please contact the Electoral Services Office on (01656) 643116 or by emailing electoral@bridgend.gov.uk
You will also need to sign a candidate consent form for nomination.
Finally, it is worth noting that you can stand as an independent candidate using the description ‘Independent’ or ‘Annibynol’, but if you want to stand as a party candidate, you will need to complete an authorisation form or a similar form from the relevant political party to gain permission to use the relevant party description.
It is important to note that this form must be signed by the designated nominating officer for the relevant political party. In addition it is also necessary for the candidate to also sign the form to authorise the use of the political party emblem to appear next to their name on the ballot paper.
Nomination packs are available from the Electoral Services Office at Sunnyside House, Sunnyside Road, Bridgend.
How much can I spend during my election campaign?
The amount you are allowed to spend during your campaign is determined by the number of electors in your area. You will be allowed to spend £600, plus an additional 5p for every elector on the register for your particular electoral division.
For example, if there are 3,000 electors, the candidate’s maximum spending limit would be £750.
Any money you spend on goods or services which you use once you have become a candidate will count against this limit, and must be declared.
You will have to account for all your expenditure at the end of the election and submit a return of your expenses by Friday 6 June 2008.
It is also important to note that there are separate spending limits where more than one candidate from the same political party appears on the same ballot paper.
What happens when?
There are several dates and deadlines that you will need to remember during the election process - the key dates are listed below.
Election Timetable – Local Government Elections 1 May 2008
Key Dates: | |
Event |
Date |
Publication of Notices of Election |
Thursday 27 March 2008 |
Deadline for Candidate Nominations |
Friday 4 April 2008 (Noon) |
Last day to apply for a Postal Vote |
Wednesday 16 April 2008 |
Last day to be included in the Register of Electors to be able to vote on 1 May |
Wednesday 16 April 2008 |
Polling Day |
Thursday 1 May 2008 |
Deadline for election expenses returns (Town/Community) |
Friday 30 May 2008 |
Deadline for election expenses returns (County Borough) |
Friday 6 June 2008 |
Other useful information and web links
There are some useful websites you can visit to get more information about becoming a county borough councillor.
The Welsh Local Government Association at www.wlga.gov.uk provides a host of information about what local government is all about as well as an extensive candidate guide at www.walescandidateguide.co.uk.
In addition, the One Voice Wales organisation specialises in providing guidance and support to community/town councillors at www.onevoicewales.org.uk.
The Electoral Commission at www.electoralcommission.org.uk also provides useful guidance to candidates on the statutory requirements in becoming a councillor.
- Last Updated: 16/04/2008
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