Local Council Elections 2023

Local Council Elections are scheduled to be held in Northern Ireland on Thursday 18 May 2023

Guidance Information

The Electoral Office for Northern Ireland provides the information in the links below for anyone who wants to stand as a candidate in the Local Elections with the relevant forms that are required to be completed.

• Local Council Elections 2023 - Guide for Candidates and Agents
• Nomination FAQ's
• Notice of Issue and Opening of Postal Votes for Newry, Mourne and Down District Council 
• Electoral Commission guidance on candidate spending

Candidate Forms

Please note that the 3 April 2023 Electoral Register must be used to complete the subscriber details on the Nomination Paper. You should complete Form 4 in the Candidate Forms below and forward this to the Local Council Office from 3 April to obtain a copy of the register.

• Candidate Forms (PDF)
• Candidate Forms (Word)

Electoral Commission Guidance on Candidate Spending 

For more information visit: Local government elections in Northern Ireland | Electoral Commission

Seminars for Candidates and Agents

The Electoral Commission in partnership with the Electoral Office for Northern Ireland and Royal Mail will be running information seminars for potential candidates and agents ahead of the 2023 local council elections.
These seminars will offer guidance and support on: 

• standing as a candidate
• the rules on spending and donations
• candidate freepost entitlement

Seminar dates:

• Wednesday 22 March (Belfast)
• Wednesday 29 March (Omagh)
• Thursday 30 March (Virtual)

All seminars will take place in the evening

Places are limited. To reserve a place please email infonorthernireland@electoralcommission.org.uk indicating which seminar you’d like to attend. 

Local Council Elections Timetable 

To download the 2023 Elections Timetable please click here. 

Note: the above timetable excludes Saturdays (with the exception of the count), Sundays and the following Bank Holidays with exception of the deadline for receipt of additional information in relation to late registration applications which is computed in accordance with regulation 8 of the Representation of the People (Northern Ireland)  Regulations 2008:

May Day 1 May 2023
King’s Coronation Bank Holiday 8 May 2023