Before nominations - briefings and drop-in sessions
We offer support for anyone who wishes to stand as a candidate in the May 2026 elections. We host pre-nomination briefing sessions as well as ‘drop in’ sessions with the Electoral Services Manager.
The pre-nomination briefings will focus on helping candidates submit a valid nomination paper. We will begin our online pre-nomination briefings earlier than usual in 2026.
Each briefing will last about an hour. There will be a presentation and time for questions at the end of each briefing.
We will also hold online drop-in sessions for candidates. They will allow you to ask the Electoral Services Manager questions.
The dates of the briefings and drop-in sessions are listed below. Candidates do not need to book; you can click on the date you wish to attend and the link for the briefing or session will automatically open.
The dates and time for the briefings are:
- Monday 9 February 2026 at 11am
- Friday 20 February 2026 at 5:30pm
- Tuesday 24 February 2026 at 11am
- Wednesday 4 March 2026 at 5:30pm
- Friday 6 March 2026 at 10:00am
The dates and times for the drop-in sessions are:
- Friday 23 January 2026 at 3pm
- Thursday 5 February at 5:30pm
- Thursday 19 February 2026 at 12noon
- Thursday 5 March 2026 at 2pm
- Wednesday 11 March 2026 at 5:30pm
- Friday 13 March at 10am
- Tuesday 24 March 2026 at 5:30pm
- Monday 30 March 2026 at 10am
- Thursday 2 April 2026 at 5:30pm
For any queries, anyone wishing to stand as a candidate and/or their agents should contact us using the new email address of returningofficer@wakefield.gov.uk.
We will still pick up emails to our other email address but that may take longer than using the new address.
If you need something urgent then please call the Electoral Services team on 01924 305023.
Additional Support - May 2026 elections: Electoral Commission webinar for candidates and agents
As well as the briefings above, the Electoral Commission are hosting a webinar for candidates and agents on Wednesday 4 March 12pm to 1pm.
The session will give practical hints and tips to support you. It will provide an overview of the key aspects of the guidance including:
- essential information on the nominations processes
- imprint requirements
- spending and reporting requirements
- candidate security
There will also be an opportunity to ask questions throughout the session.
Register by completing this online register form.
If you have any questions about this event or would like further advice, please email pef@electoralcommission.org.uk.
For any queries, anyone wishing to stand as a candidate and/or their agents should contact us using the new email address of returningofficer@wakefield.gov.uk.
We will still pick up emails to our other email address but that may take longer than using the new address.
If you need something urgent then please call the Electoral Services team on 01924 305023.