Becoming a Candidate

Standing for election can be complicated, but we hope to make it as straightforward as possible. We have produced an information pack to provide comprehensive guidance for potential candidates and agents in England this May.

If you are proposing to stand for election you should read our guide below. It contains information on standing and perhaps more importantly what happenss if you are elected including induction sessions immediately after the elections that are crucial to you in learning about how the Council works.

Click here to download our information pack - New revised for 2010

To qualify as a candidate for election to the District Council you must be 18 years of age and a Commonwealth citizen, a citizen of the Republic of Ireland or a citizen of another Member State of the European Community.

In addition you must also meet one of the following qualifications during the whole of the 12 months before the day you are nominated and on polling day:
• You must be a local Government elector for Epping Forest
• You must have had, during the whole of the twelve months preceding the day on which you are nominated, occupied as owner or tenant any land or premises in the District
• Your principal or only place of work in the twelve months preceding that day must have been in the District
• You must have resided in the District during the whole of the twelve months preceding that day

You cannot stand if:
• You hold a paid office or employment with the Council, or, in certain circumstances, are employed by another Council
• You are an un-discharged bankrupt
• You have been sentenced to a term of imprisonment (whether suspended or not) of not less than three months without the option of a fine during the five years preceding the election
• You have been convicted or reported guilty of a corrupt or illegal practice by an election court, or you have been disqualified from standing for election to a local authority following a decision of the Adjudication Panel for England
• You hold any employment in a company which is under the control of the local authority.

Your nomination paper has to be signed by a proposer and seconder and eight other signatories whose names are on the current Electoral Register for the Ward in which you are standing. You should also submit with your nomination paper a completed Consent to Nomination form.

The Electoral Commission has also produced information on becoming a candidate at an election.

Click here to view The Electoral Commission website on becoming a candidate

In the United Kingdom, in order to take part in the democratic process through voting, your name must be included in the Electoral Register.

The Annual Canvass for the Register of Electors is carried out during August to October every year and published on 1 December. It is very important that you complete this and return it as soon as possible so that you don'y lose your right to vote.

I have received a Register of Electors form - what do I have to do?

You should check that it contains the details every person permanently resident at your address who is:

• Aged 16 years or over
• A British, Irish, Commonwealth or European Union citizen living in the UK

You should also check whether anyone shown on the form is no longer a permanent resident. Finally you should return the completed form to the Electoral Registration Officer at the Civic Offices in Epping so that the details can be included in the Electoral Register.

Is there a deadline for sending back the form?

Yes, the forms must be returned by the 22 November to be included in the 1 December publication, although you can still register after this date as it is updated each month. This is useful if you move home and need to register at your new address.

What is the Electoral Register?

It is a list of names and addresses of everyone registered to vote and is also known as:
- the Register of Electors,
- the Electoral List,
- the Electoral Roll,
- or the Voters' Register.

There are two versions of the Register:
1. The Full Register
2. The Edited Register

What's the difference between the 2 kinds of register?

The Full Register contains every person on the register and is used for elections, and on cases involving crime detection and prevention, and credit application checking.

The Edited Register is available for general sale and can be bought by anyone and used for any purpose.

Does my name have to appear in the Edited Register?

No, you can opt to have your name excluded from the Edited Register by ticking the appropriate box in the electoral registration form.

Can I check that my details are correct?

Yes, you can only view the Electoral Register in person at the Civic Offices in Epping, Waltham Abbey Town Hall and the Council's Information desk inside Loughton Library.

My name is not on the Electoral Register, what should I do?

Contact the Electoral Registration Officer who will send you an application form in the post.

Where can I find further information on elections and the democratic process?

Information can be found on the Electoral Commission website at aboutmyvote.co.uk, enter your postcode for information available in many other languages, audio and in large print - click here to visit aboutmyvote.co.uk

Contact Electoral Services on 01992 564411