Who can stand
There are different types of elections that you can stand as a candidate in such as local elections, UK parliamentary elections and Greater Manchester Mayoral elections.
Most candidates are nominated through a political party. However, individuals are welcome to stand in their own right.
Criteria
You can stand as a candidate if you're:
- A British, Irish Republic, Commonwealth or EU citizen.
- At least 18 years old on the day you submit your nomination papers.
You also have to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- You're a registered local government elector in the Rochdale borough, both on the day you are nominated and election day. You can check whether you are registered by contacting our Electoral Services Unit.
- You've lived in the borough for 12 months before nomination.
- Your main or only place of work has been in the borough for 12 months before nomination.
- You've occupied land or premises in the borough for 12 months before nomination - either as an owner or a tenant.
When you cannot be a candidate
You cannot be a candidate if you:
- Are employed by or hold a paid office in the council - including any joint boards or committees.
- Are the subject of a bankruptcy restriction order or interim order - this was introduced from 1 April 2004.
- Have been sentenced to a prison term of 3 months or more, without the option of a fine, at any time during the last 5 years.
- Have been convicted or reported guilty of corrupt or illegal practise by an election court.
- Have been disqualified following a decision of the Adjudication Panel for England.
- Have been disqualified following the issue of a certificate by a local authority auditor relating to the loss of more than £2,000.