Local Government Elections 2023
Local Government Elections 2023
The Local Government Elections are scheduled to take place on Thursday 18 May 2023. Polling Day will be on Thursday 18 May 2023 with the Election Count being held on Friday 19 May and Saturday 20 May 2023.
Guidance - Candidates and Agents can access guidance and forms on the Electoral Office for NI website.
This includes the Guide for Candidates and Agents, Nomination FAQs and the Royal Mail Guidance on Candidate Mail.
Pre-Election Seminars are also available for Candidates and Agents HERE.
Electoral Commission guidance on Candidate Spending is also available - Local government elections in Northern Ireland | Electoral Commission
Nomination Papers –Candidate Nomination Papers can be downloaded HERE.
Nomination papers may be delivered to John Kelpie, Deputy Returning Officer at the Council Offices at (i) 98 Strand Road, Derry BT48 7NN or (ii) 47 Derry Road, Strabane BT82 8DY between 10.00am and 4.00pm on weekdays from Wednesday 12 April to Friday 21 April 2023 and from 10.00am to 1.00pm on Monday 24 April 2023.
Candidates are encouraged to book a slot in advance by contacting the Assistant Deputy Returning Officer via email Sharon.maxwell@derrystrabane.com or telephone 02871 381304.
Notice of Issue and Opening of Postal Votes. Download HERE.
Observer Scheme
One of the Electoral Commission’s roles is to authorise people and organisations to observe UK elections and relevant referendums. Unless appointed by an agent, you need to apply to become an accredited electoral observer to observe the:
- issue or receipt of postal ballot papers
- taking of the poll
- counting of the votes
You can apply as an individual observer, or as an organisation and must be 16 or over. The deadline to apply to become an accredited observer for the local council elections is 2 May.
You can find out more and apply here.