With local elections taking place next month, the Electoral Commission and the council are calling for campaigns free from intimidation and abuse...
Well-run elections depend on candidates being able to engage freely with voters without fear for their safety, yet research shows this is far from the reality for many standing for office.
The Commission’s most recent candidate research found that 61% of candidates at the 2025 local elections in England experienced harassment or security threats and 71% avoided some campaign activity out of fear, directly limiting voter choice.
Since November 2023, those found guilty of intimidating candidates or elected representatives face new sanctions, including being banned from standing for office, imprisonment or a fine.
The Commission has also published guidance developed with the National Police Chiefs’ Council, setting out behaviours that may constitute a criminal offence, so candidates know when and how to involve the police.
The Council’s Returning Officer, said: “Campaigning is vital to democracy, giving voters the chance to hear different perspectives and make informed choices. Candidates must be able to engage with the public without fear. Abuse towards candidates is a concern, and anyone experiencing or witnessing threatening behaviour should report it to the police.“
