Challenge an election result
What happens at the hearing and trial
Contact the Election Petitions Office to set the date for the hearing. You should do this within 28 days of your petition being stamped.
Election Petitions Office
election_petitions@justice.gov.uk
Phone: 0207 947 6877
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If you do not apply to set a date for the hearing, the respondents will have 28 days to apply themselves. They can also make other requests, for example to cancel (‘set aside’) your petition.
A judge will set a date for the hearing if you and the respondents do not apply to set one.
At the hearing and trial
At the hearing a judge can appoint a commissioner to manage your complaint. The commissioner will look at the evidence, for example by checking the voting slips.
If the commissioner thinks there should be a trial, it will normally be at a court in the constituency where you’re challenging the result.
At the trial you and the respondents will each present your cases to the commissioner. Both sides can call witnesses to give evidence.
It usually takes several weeks to get a judgment. You’ll be called to a meeting with the commissioner to hear the decision.
You cannot appeal the decision.