3. Information for candidates

If you intend to stand as a candidate in the East Surrey Council elections, you should read the Guidance for Candidates and Agents at local government elections in England | Electoral Commission

The Returning Officer will hold briefings for prospective candidates and agents interested in standing for election in unitary wards within the Epsom and Ewell, Reigate & Banstead, and Tandridge areas about:

  • how to stand for election – at 6pm on 25 February 2026, to be held via Microsoft Teams.
  • polling day and the verification and counting of ballot papers - at 6pm on 30 April 2026, to be held via Microsoft Teams.

You can request an invitation to attend these briefings by emailing elreg@reigate-banstead.gov.uk.  It is strongly recommended that prospective candidates and their agents attend both briefings.

Recordings of these briefings can be requested by emailing elreg@reigate-banstead.gov.uk.

The deadline for formal hand-delivery of nomination papers to stand as a candidate in the East Surrey Council elections is 4pm on Thursday 9 April, however it is strongly recommended that:

  • Informal checking: draft nomination papers are submitted via email to elreg@reigate-banstead.gov.uk as soon as possible for informal checking; and,
  • Formal hand-delivery: appointments for formal hand-delivery (only) of nomination papers are booked with the Returning Officer via email to elreg@reigate-banstead.gov.uk between 10am-4 pm on working days between the publication of the Notice of Election and the deadline for close of nominations.