Election Observers

Allowing people to observe elections is an important way of ensuring that election arrangements meet internationally accepted standards. By becoming an accredited observer, you can attend certain election proceedings and ask questions, as long as you don't obstruct the process.

Becoming an accredited observer

Organisations and individuals over the age of 16 can apply to the Electoral Commission for accreditation.

What can I observe?

proceedings at the poll
proceedings at the issue and receipt of postal ballot papers
proceedings at the count

How to apply

Information on how to apply, as well as application forms and the Code of Practice all observers must follow are available to download from the Electoral Commission’s website or are available from their office during normal business hours.

Completed applications can be returned in person to the Commission’s office or via e-mail or by post.

You should allow 10 days for the processing of your application. Don't wait until an election is imminent before applying, as accreditation will not come into effect until three days after the issue of your observer ID card and your inclusion on the Electoral Commission's register of accredited observers.

The Electoral Commission in Northern Ireland

The Electoral Commission is an independent body set up by the UK Parliament. Its aim is integrity and public confidence in the democratic process. Its responsibilities include:

regulating political party and election finance
reporting on the administration of elections
voter awareness of electoral registration and elections

You can contact the Electoral Commission at:

The Electoral Commission
Seatem House
28-32 Alfred Street
Belfast
BT2 8EN

phone 028 9089 4020
email: infonorthernireland@electoralcommission.org.uk
Electoral Commission (contacts section)

Once you are an accredited observer

As an accredited observer, you will be issued with an observer ID card and be included in the Electoral Commission's register. You will then be able to attend specified election or referendum proceedings in the UK.

Observers can tell election officials about any irregularities, fraud or significant problems, unless this would contravene the secrecy requirements. You can ask election officials, political party representatives and other observers questions inside polling stations, as long as you don't obstruct the election process. You can also ask and answer questions of voters, but you may not ask who or what they voted for.

Observers must maintain political impartiality at all times - including their leisure time. This means you must not express any preference in relation to national authorities, political parties, candidates or referendum issues, or on any controversial issues in the election process. You must also not do anything which could be seen to favour any political competitor, such as wearing or displaying any political symbols, colours or banners.