Councils call for voters to show "respect and civility" towards candidates and officers at upcoming local elections

The Local Government Association (LGA) has called for voters to show respect and civility towards candidates standing in and officers running the upcoming local elections amid a rise in councillors reporting abuse.

In a statement released on Monday (24 April), the LGA said no abuse or intimidation should be directed at those standing in the local election on 4 May and that voters should be mindful of difficulties staff might be facing in implementing new voter ID rules.

The call, made jointly with the Jo Cox Foundation, follows the findings of a 2022 survey of councillors conducted by the LGA, which showed that 7 in 10 councillors faced abuse or intimidation between 2021-22, and just over a quarter (28%) of councillors in England and Wales felt personally at risk in their role.

A large number of respondents also felt that the line between political competition and personal attacks had been crossed during local election campaigns, the LGA reported.

In response to the problem, the LGA set up its 'Debate Not Hate' campaign to raise awareness around the issue.

The Association added that with the introduction of voter ID rules in this election, voters should be "patient with hardworking local polling station staff as they implement the new changes".

The LGA has been voicing concern over voter ID rules since Parliament passed the plans in December last year. The LGA's chairman, Cllr James Jamieson, recently reiterated a warning in February that councils could be "overwhelmed" during local elections in May due to the short notice given for councils to adapt to the new system.

Cllr Izzi Seccombe, Vice-Chair of the LGA, said: "These upcoming elections are incredibly important in setting the future direction of our local communities.

"The tens of thousands of people who are standing as candidates in them are doing a great public service."

Cllr Seccombe added: "Candidates and councillors want to engage with as many voters as possible during this election campaign.

"However, they should not have to experience abuse, threats or any kind of harmful behaviour simply because of who they are, what they look like or their background.

"We want all voters to treat candidates with respect and to engage in positive, constructive conversations and debates and make local democracy a welcoming environment for all."

Adam Carey