Campaigning during a general election

Electoral law sets out the rules for how charities and other civil society organisations can campaign in the lead up to national elections.

We encourage our members and the wider sector to familiarise themselves with the rules.

Most importantly, we strongly encourage you to carry on campaigning. It is a normal and legitimate part of what Bond members do, and it is vital that organisations continue to speak out during the electoral period.

Below you’ll find some useful resources that will help you stay within the rules.

Useful resources

FAQs answering some of the most common questions organisations might have on electoral law.

Bond briefing paper designed to help organisations understand the basics of the electoral law, whether you need to register with the Electoral Commission or not and to suggest some good internal practice. Updated December 2023.

Electoral Commission’s guidance, which explains how the rules work and provides case studies to help you understand the laws. The Electoral Commission also produces specific guidance ahead of each election, which contains details of the regulated period, spending limits and reporting requirements (published when the next election is called) as well as separate guidance on hustings and digital imprints.

Charity Commission’s guidance on campaigning and political activity (CC9), which applies at all times, including during a general election period. It has also produced election specific Charities, Elections and Referendums Guidance (published for the 2019 General Election) which applies only during elections.

Bates Wells and Sheila McKechnie Foundation have produced a charity campaigning guide to demystify some of the rules around charity campaigning ahead of an election, published in October 2023. Bates Wells have also produced a range of free resources.

Lloyds Bank Foundation England & Wales produced a guide on What to expect when you’re expecting a general election.

For more information, or to raise any questions or concerns you may have, please email [email protected].