Deadline for registration applications ahead of the May 2017 polls

The deadline to receive a decision on any registration applications for the May 2017 polls has now passed.

Registation applications ahead of the June 2017 UK Parlimentary general election

Because of the short time until the polls, we are unable to guarantee that any application lodged to register a new political party, amend a party name, amend or add an emblem, or to add a description will receive a decision in time for use on the ballot paper at the election.

In order to appear on the ballot paper, a party’s name, description or emblem must be registered with the Commission by 9 May 2017, which is two days before the deadline for delivery of nomination papers to the Returning Officer.

The Commission must carefully assess applications in respect of party names, descriptions and emblems against the criteria set out in the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, in order to reach a fair conclusion on registration, within the legislative requirements. Whilst we process all applications as quickly as possible, undertaking this necessary assessment process means that it is likely that a decision on any new applications will not be granted until after the deadline for delivery of nomination papers.

Please note if you are seeking to register a party in order to stand at the election and you do not receive a decision on your application in time, you may choose to stand as an independent candidate at the June 2017 UK Parliamentary general election.

Applications to substitute or remove a description

Because of the short time until the polls, we are unable to guarantee that any application lodged to substitute or remove a description will receive a decision in time for use on the ballot paper at the election.

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
   - the poll at the election,
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 must be published no earlier than 5 May 2017 and no later than 8 May 2017.

Unfortunately that means that it is likely that a decision on any new applications will not be granted until after the deadline for delivery of nomination papers.

Registration as a non-party campaigner ahead of the June 2017 UK Parliamentary general election

You need to register with us if you plan to you plan to spend over the threshold of £20,000 in England or £10,000 in any of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland during a regulated period on regulated campaign activity.

Whilst we process all registrations as quickly as possible, undertaking our necessary assessment process means that a decision on any new registration will not be granted immediately. You should ensure that you lodge your registration with us in good time for us to undertake this assessment before you spend over the threshold.