Standing as a Candidate
Below you will find information on how to stand as a candidate and guidance on the nomination process. Information will continue to be added to this page as it becomes available in the approach to the election.
A number of elections are scheduled to take place in Doncaster on 6 May 2021 :
- Local Borough Councillor Elections for all wards
- Elected Mayor for Doncaster
- Police and Crime Commissioner for South Yorkshire
- Parish Councillor Elections for all areas
The website Be a Councillor provides general information about becoming a councillor and how you can make a difference in your community.
Briefing Sessions for Candidates and Agents
At these sessions relevant information will be given about nominations and standing as a candidate. Due to the current situation these sessions will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams. To take part in one of these sessions please click on the links below.
A copy of the briefing presentation will be available upon request for anyone who is unable to take part.
Mayoral candidates
A briefing session took place for prospective Mayoral candidates and agents on Tuesday 16 March - please e-mail candidates@doncaster.gov.uk to request a copy of the presentation slides.
Local Borough candidate
A briefing session took place for prospective Local election candidates and agents on Wednesday 17 March - please e-mail candidates@doncaster.gov.uk to request a copy of the presentation slides.
Parish candidates
A briefing session took place for prospective Parish election candidates on Thursday 18 March - please e-mail candidates@doncaster.gov.uk to request a copy of the presentation slides.
Nomination Packs and Electoral Commission guidance for Candidates and Agents
The nomination period for the Local, Mayoral and Parish elections begins on Tuesday 23 March and closes at 4pm on Thursday 8 April. Please note that due to the current restrictions around Covid, there are some changes to our usual nomination process to ensure staff and candidates/agents are kept safe.
To help to complete nomination papers correctly and to reduce lengthy face-to-face contact we are offering electronic informal checks in advance of formally submitting nomination papers. It is recommended that you arrange for an informal check as early as possible as this will give you sufficient time to correct any errors found or submit new forms if required. Informal checks will be carried out electronically and papers need to be scanned and e-mailed to candidates@doncaster.gov.uk if you are unable to scan a copy then send clear photos. We are also offering a telephone helpline to check your Proposer and Seconder electoral numbers in advance, you will need their full name and address before calling 01302 734658 or 01302 736486. Please note this helpline is to obtain electoral numbers only and not to provide guidance or informal checks over the phone. Any queries or help completing nomination papers should be e-mailed to candidates@doncaster.gov.uk
Once an informal check has been carried out and the nomination paper has been agreed as correct, you will need to officially submit it and certain parts of the nomination paper MUST be submitted in person. You are advised to make an appointment to deliver your completed final nomination papers and once an informal check has been carried out you will be given the opportunity to book an appointment to formally submit them. If you do not arrange an informal check or book an appointment the Deputy Returning Officer may not be free to carry out any checks before you formally submit your papers and you may be required to wait outside until they are free.
Nomination Papers must be delivered to Electoral Services, Ground Floor Civic Office, Waterdale, Doncaster, DN1 3BU. On arrival at the Civic Office you will be required to wear your face mask, have your temperature checked and sanitise your hands. Nomination papers may be delivered between the hours of 9.00am and 4.00pm on any day (excluding weekends and bank holidays) from Tuesday 23rd March until NO LATER THAN 4pm on Thursday 8th April 2021.
Nomination Papers
You can access nomination papers, guidance and information for candidates at the Electoral Commission website via the links below, the Nomination paper is under Part 2 - Standing as a candidate and includes information on how to complete the forms correctly and what to include or you can request for a nomination pack to be posted to you by e-mailing your name, address and which election you are standing for to: candidates@doncaster.gov.uk
Local Borough Election Candidates
The guidance comprises :
- Part 1 - Can you stand for election?
- Part 2 - Standing as a candidate (party or independent)
- Part 3 - Spending and donations
- Part 4 - The campaign
- Part 5 - Your right to attend key electoral events
- Part 6 - After the declaration of results
It is recommended that you read this guidance thoroughly to ensure you comply. Please note Part 4 includes campaign dos and don'ts and a list of electoral and non-electoral offences.
Police and Crime Commissioner Candidates - Please contact the Police Area Returning Officer at Barnsley Council for further information by calling 01226 772343 or e-mail electoralservices@barnsley.gov.uk or visit Barnsley Council Elections
Mayoral candidate deposit and Election Address in the Mayoral Booklet
To stand as a candidate in the Doncaster Mayoral election a deposit of £500 is required. There is also the option to produce an election address to appear in the Doncaster Mayoral booklet, an additional non refundable £750 payment is required. Further information can be found by clicking the link below:
| Mayoral Candidate Deposit
| £500 |
|
| Election Address - Mayoral Booklet (optional)
| £750 |
|
Deposits must be received NO LATER THAN 4pm on Thursday 8th April 2021, otherwise the candidate is not validly nominated. Election address booklet fees must also be received by this time to be included in the booklet.
Payments
Our preferred method of payment would be over the phone using a debit or credit card. To make a payment over the phone please call 01302 734658 or 01302 736486 and have your bank card ready. If necessary, payments can be made by cash or bank transfer. If you wish to pay via bank transfer, please e-mail candidates@doncaster.gov.uk for details.
£500 deposit will be refunded to those candidates that receive more than 5% of the valid first preference vote.
Timeline, important dates and information
The Electoral Commission timetable is available to download below.
- Electoral Commission Election Timetable
- Download (55KB - PDF)
- Supporting candidates and agents - May 2021 polls
- Download (185KB - PDF)
Notices
The statutory notices of election for all polls to be held on 6 May 2021 was published on the 23 March 2021 and is available on the following page - Elections on 6 May 2021
Contact
For advice from the Electoral Commission:
- email: infoengland@electoralcommission.org.uk
- tel: 0333 103 1928
- web: www.electoralcommission.org.uk/contact-us
To contact Doncasters Electoral Services:
- email: candidates@doncaster.gov.uk
More information:
Downloads & Resources
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