Two open information sessions are to be hosted by South Kesteven District Council's elections team to support candidates standing for election, prospective candidates, and their agents.

At the briefings, the nomination process to stand as a candidate will be explained, as well as the election timetable, voting and the new Voter ID requirement at polling stations, plus campaigning and election night vote counting arrangements.

The sessions, on 8 and 13 March, will also give residents and potential Cllrs the opportunity to ask questions.

No deposit is required to stand in local elections and candidates may appoint an election agent to manage their campaign, although this is not essential.

Returning Officer Karen Bradford, who is also SKDC Chief Executive, said: "The meetings are open to everyone who is interested in, or even thinking about, standing as a candidate, and also for their election agent if one has been appointed.

"We recommend that they attend the briefing sessions, where we will share detailed information on the whole election process.

"Booking ahead is not essential, although it would be helpful if anyone interested in either session could register in advance by emailing the elections team. We can also supply a candidate nomination pack for the ward they are interested in representing."

The sessions are scheduled for:

• Wednesday, 8 March, 6pm: The Council Chamber, South Kesteven House, St Peter's Hill, Grantham, NG31 6PY
• Monday, 13 March, 6pm: Remote session, login details to be confirmed

More information can be found online. Alternatively, email [email protected] to find out more.

Key election dates are as follows:

• Nomination of Candidates: prospective candidates can submit nomination papers between Monday 20 March and Tuesday 4 April (10am-4pm)
• Register to vote deadline: midnight, Monday 17 April 
• Apply to vote by post deadline: 5pm, Tuesday 18 April 
• Apply to vote by proxy deadline: 5pm, Tuesday 25 April 
• Apply for a Voter Authority Certificate by 5pm, Tuesday 25 April 
• Polling day: 7am-10pm on Thursday 4 May 

The formal election process begins with the publication of the Notice of Election on 20 March, 2023. Completed candidate nomination papers must be delivered by hand to the SKDC offices in Grantham by 4pm on Tuesday 4 April, 2023.