Electoral Law

Sharpe Pritchard is one of the few firms which offers expertise in electoral law, advising returning officers and other election officers in the complex procedures connected with running local and parliamentary elections and referendums. We advise on pre-and post-election difficulties, including when the conduct or result of an election is challenged by election petition. Our specialist solicitors advise on:

  • pre-election publicity;
  • expenses;
  • election and referendum procedures;
  • electronic voting;
  • High Court election petitions;
  • ballot paper recounts;
  • expenditure of candidates and political parties;
  • voter registration;
  • candidate nomination;
  • election literature;
  • voting documentation and lawfulness; and
  • absent and postal voting processes.

Sharpe Pritchard operate an election hotline available to give urgent advice during polling day and the count.

Case highlights

  • Following the 2019 UK parliamentary elections, advising an acting returning officer whose conduct of an election was questioned by a candidate.
  • During the 2019 parliamentary elections, advising returning officers on a wide-range of issues including purdah, nominations, the validity of postal voting statements, and photographs being taken at polling stations.
  • Following the 2019 local government elections, acting for the returning officer in defending a petition concerning the conduct of the election.
  • Following the 2019 local government elections, applying to the court for an order to open the sealed packets of ballot papers and other documents.
  • Acting for the returning officer the ground-breaking election petition which challenged the election of the mayor of Tower Hamlets.
  • Advising and acting for a returning officer where the result of a county council election had been challenged as to the conduct of the vote counting process and a recount refused.
  • Advising on the rejection of a candidate’s nomination as incomplete and not containing necessary information.
  • Acting in an election petition where electors were waiting in queues outside polling stations had been unable to vote.

What others say

Sharpe Pritchard employees have a manner that puts you at ease. Their experience in this sector provides them with a calm assurance and a thorough understanding of the political environment.

Chambers 2020

They are very professional but, more than that, they clearly demonstrate a desire to deliver the best possible outcome for their clients.

Chambers 2020

I would class them as absolute leaders in the field. They are extremely knowledgeable.

Chambers 2020

Sharpe Pritchard provided an exceptionally professional service. Requests from us were responded to incredibly promptly and they could be relied upon to be there when we needed them. The solicitors possessed excellent practical knowledge and experience of the subject and were comfortably able to advise on more diverse aspects when issues arose.

Executive Director of Commercial Services

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Electoral Law