The election process

Every 4 years there is an election for all 84 County Councillors, who represent their communities in Kent County Council's area (this excludes Medway) 

Managing an election

Each local authority must appoint a person to be the Returning Officer at an election. This officer will be responsible for managing all the arrangements surrounding the election. They will report the names of those elected as councillors to the local authority.

Publicity during the pre-election phase (or 'purdah')

From 26 March 2013 to the close of poll at 10pm on 2 May 2013, the council and its Members must ensure the political impartiality of all publicity.

Nomination

The election process starts with the publication of a Notice of Election. This notice sets out the timetable and arrangements for the nomination of candidates. It states the name and address of the Returning Officer, and where nomination papers may be obtained and where and when they should be returned.

In order to become a candidate at a local election in England, you must be sure you are eligible to stand and then submit a set of nomination papers before the statutory deadline. Candidates may complete more than one set of nomination papers.

Uncontested elections

If, after the close of nominations and the time allowed for withdrawals, the total number of validly nominated candidates in an electoral area is less than or equal to the number of seats to be filled at the election, those candidates are declared to be elected.

Contested election

If there are more validly nominated candidates than seats to be filled the Returning Officer will arrange for a poll (election) to be held.