Electoral Administration Act 2006

21 Use of candidates' common names

(1) Schedule 1 to the 1983 Act (parliamentary elections rules) is amended as follows.

(2) In rule 6 (nomination of candidates), after paragraph (2) insert—

“(2A) If a candidate commonly uses—

(a) a surname which is different from any other surname he has, or

(b) a forename which is different from any other forename he has,

the nomination paper may state the commonly used surname or forename in addition to the other name.”

(3) In rule 14 (publication of statement of persons nominated), after paragraph (2) insert—

“(2A) If a person’s nomination paper gives a commonly used surname or forename in addition to another name, the statement shall show the person’s commonly used surname or forename (as the case may be) instead of any other name.

(2B) Paragraph (2A) above does not apply if the returning officer thinks—

(a) that the use of the person’s commonly used name may be likely to mislead or confuse electors, or

(b) that the commonly used name is obscene or offensive.

(2C) If paragraph (2B) above applies, the returning officer must give notice in writing to the candidate of his reasons for refusing to allow the use of a commonly used name.”

(4) In the Appendix of forms, in the Form of nomination paper, for the first table following the words “candidate at the said election” substitute—

“Candidate’s surname	Other names in full	Commonly used surname (if any)	Commonly used forenames (if any)	Description (if any)	Home address in full
SULLIVAN	Arthur Seymour	GILBERT	W. S.	Independent	52, Bunthorne Walk, Basingstoke”

(5) In the Appendix of forms, in the Note following the Form of nomination paper, after paragraph 2 insert—

“2A Where a candidate commonly uses a name which is different from any other name he has, the commonly used name may also appear on the nomination paper, but if it does so, the commonly used name (instead of any other name) will appear on the ballot paper.

2B But the ballot paper will show the other name if the returning officer thinks—

(a) that the use of the commonly used name may be likely to mislead or confuse electors, or

(b) that the commonly used name is obscene or offensive.”