Information for candidates and election agents

• Election Notices

We held a Candidates and Agents briefing session on Monday 16 March 2026. Please download a copy of the presentation below:

Please email elections@dudley.gov.uk or call 01384 814740 for more information or if you have any questions.

Further information on standing as a candidate in local government elections is available on the Electoral Commission Website.

Candidates and Agents Spending return documents can be found in the 'After the election' section on the Electoral Commission Website.

Key documents from the Electoral Commission:

• Nomination form
• Notice of withdrawal
• Request for electoral register
• Request for a copy of the lists of postal and proxy voters
• Appointment of postal vote agents
• Appointment of polling agents
• Appointment of counting agents
• Guidance to Imprints
• Guidance for Tellers
• Tellers dos and don'ts
• Secrecy at the poll
• Secrecy at postal voting
• Secrecy at the count
• Election expenses spending limits 2026

If you are unable to print off a copy of Nomination papers and if you require a printed copy to be posted out to you please telephone 01384 814740.

• Candidate spending return
• Nil spending return
• Declaration by candidate as to election expenses
• Declaration by agent as to election expenses
• Spending return explanatory note

Successful candidates will be able to sign their acceptance of office at the count and will also be required to attend an induction day at the Council House between 10am and 1pm on 14 May 2026.

• Local Government Association: policing crime against elected members

West Midlands Police are organising a series of webinars during March and April 2026 in relation to personal safety and policing crime against candidates on the following dates:

• 10 March 2026 at 5.30pm
• 12 March 2026 at 6.30pm
• 17 March 2026 at 6.30pm 
• 19 March 2026 at 5.30pm 
• 24 March 2026 at 5.30pm
• 26 March 2026 at 6.30pm
• 31 March 2026 at 6.30pm
• 9 April 2026 at 5.30pm
• 14 April 2026 at 5.30pm
• 16 April 2026 at 6.30pm
• 21 April 2026 at 6.30pm

Please email the elections team for the links to the sessions.

Please also be aware the rules on handling postal votes changed in May 2024, information can be found in the Code of Conduct for campaigners. Candidates and agents should also be aware of the code of practice on the display of election posters and eligible electorate figures for election expenses. The latest version can be found on the Electoral Commission website.

Email: elections@dudley.gov.uk

Electoral Services
Council House
Priory Road
Dudley
DY1 1HF