Registration applications ahead of the May 2019 polls in England and Northern Ireland
Applications to register a new political party, amend a party name, amend or add an emblem, or to add a description
In order to have been likely to receive a decision from us on applications for use on ballot papers at the May 2019 polls, you needed to have submitted your application to us by 12pm on Monday 4 February 2019. That deadline has now passed. Any registration application now lodged is unlikely to receive a decision in time for inclusion on a ballot paper for the May 2019 polls.
Not being registered as a political party does not prevent a party from campaigning ahead of the May 2019 polls. Nor does it prevent an individual nominating to stand as a candidate. However, any candidate that may stand will not be able to use the unregistered party’s name or identity marks on ballot papers, instead they can nominate to use the word ‘Independent’ to identify themselves on ballot papers.
We endeavour to process all registration applications received as soon as possible, however, we must carefully assess applications against the criteria set out in the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000. Undertaking this necessary process can take some time in order to ensure we reach a fair conclusion within the legislative requirements.
Please note that the registration application fee is not refundable.
Applications to substitute or remove a description.
Specific rules apply to applications to substitute or remove a description. Because of the tight timescales involved, any application now lodged is unlikely to receive a decision in time for inclusion a ballot paper for the May 2019 polls.
If an application to substitute or remove a description is granted at any time between
- the date of publication of the notice of election (including the date of publication) at an election in which there are one or more candidates standing in the name of the party, and
- polling day
the change does not take effect until the day following the poll.
This means that where a decision is granted on an application to substitute or remove a description on the day of publication of the notice of election or after, it will not take effect with regard to what can appear on the ballot paper for that election.
Please note that the notice of election for the local elections in England on 2 May 2019 must be published no later than 26 March 2019. However, local authorities may individually choose to publish the notice sooner than that.
We endeavour to process all applications received as soon as possible, however, we must carefully assess applications against the criteria set out in the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000. Undertaking this necessary process can take some time in order to ensure we reach a fair conclusion within the legislative requirements.
Please note that the registration application fee is not refundable.
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Please note this application will time out after a period of inactivity of 20 minutes. You are advised to save regularly using the "Save" buttons provided.
Register now
The PEF Online system provides a secure environment for the registration of political parties and campaigners at elections and referendums and the submission of their statutory returns.
If you are already registered as a party user and/or campaigner and you would like to start submitting your returns online, please see our guidance on getting started and complete the Nominate System Administrator form.
To register a new political party, non-party campaigner or referendum campaigner please click the Register now button below.