Challenge an election result
How to make a challenge
To challenge an election you must apply to the Election Petitions Office. This is called issuing an election petition.
You’ll need to send:
- an election petition
- an application to pay ‘security for costs’
The Election Petitions Office will stamp the petition before you send (‘serve’) it to the people you’re complaining about (‘the respondents’). You can then apply to set a date for a hearing.
What to include in the petition
Your petition must say:
- why you’re allowed to challenge the election result
- the date and result of the election
- the reason you’re challenging the result, for example you think the votes were counted incorrectly
- what you would like to happen, for example a recount
For a UK Parliament election, you must also give the date the result was given to the Clerk of the Crown in Chancery. The person who oversaw the election (the ‘returning officer’) can tell you this.
You can use a template to help you write the petition.
You must sign the petition. You cannot ask a solicitor to sign it for you. If you’re part of a group, you must all sign.
Application for ‘security for costs’
You’ll need to make an application to pay ‘security for costs’. This covers the cost of going to court.
Fill in form N244 (the ‘application notice’) and send it with your petition.
Send your challenge
Send your petition and your application to pay ‘security for costs’ to the Election Petitions Office, along with your fees. The fees are:
- £626 to issue a petition
- £119 to apply for ‘security for costs’
Make your cheque or postal order payable to ‘HM Courts and Tribunals Service’.
You may be able to get help with court fees if you have little or no savings, are on certain benefits or have a low income.
The Election Petitions Office must receive your petition by the last day you’re allowed to challenge the result.
Election Petitions Office
Room E105
Royal Courts of Justice
Strand
London
WC2A 2LL
Election Petitions Office
election_petitions@justice.gov.uk
Phone: 0207 947 6877
Find out about call charges
You can also hand in your petition in person. The Election Petitions Office is open on weekdays from 9:30am to 4:30pm.
On the last day you’re allowed to apply, you can apply any time before midnight. Put your petition in the letterbox outside room E110 if the office is closed.
Call the Royal Courts of Justice if you need to get access to the letterbox.
Royal Courts of Justice
Phone: 0207 947 6000
Find out about call charges
You must make a statement (‘swear an affidavit’) the next working day in front of a solicitor or a notary public. Your statement must confirm the day and time when you put the petition in the letterbox.