How do I get my information on the Parliamentary Registry website?
All candidates may present a black and white photo and bio to the Parliamentary Registry office for inclusion on our website at www.elections.gov.bm. The bios must be no more than 250 words. Please note: Any bios greater than 200 words will be automatically stopped at the 250-word point.

When are Nominations accepted?
Nomination period for the Nomination of Candidates will be held between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on Nomination day at the election room appointed for the parliamentary election. No nominations will be accepted before or after the specified period. Nomination papers will be available from our offices commencing with the issue of the Writ of elections.

What is the format required for Nominations?
Nominations should be presented to the Returning Office on the Nomination papers provided by the Parliamentary Registry Office, or in the prescribed form. The nomination paper must be delivered in duplicate to the Returning Officer either by the intended candidate or by his proposer or seconder at the polling place in which the candidate is standing for election and between the hours specified for accepting nominations.

The nomination paper must be signed in duplicate by two parliamentary electors whose names are included in the parliamentary register for the constituency concerned. One as the Proposer and one as the Seconder, neither of who can have been the Proposer or Seconder for the nomination of another candidate at that parliamentary election.

The candidate cannot be nominated in any other constituency. All information regarding the candidate must be completed and the candidate is required to sign the form in duplicate.

Any candidate endorsed by a political party must present a letter with their nomination papers from or on behalf of the chairman of the party stating that the candidate is endorsed by the party. All other candidates will be described as “independent” candidates.

Is there a fee to run in a parliamentary election?
Yes. The amount of $250.00 must be paid to the Accountant General on behalf of the candidate. An official receipt must be presented along with the nomination paper to the Returning Officer as proof of the deposit being made to the Accountant General’s office on behalf of the candidate.

Will I receive the deposit of $250.00 back?
Any candidate who receives in excess of 1/8th of the total ballots cast is entitled to the reimbursement of the deposit of $250 from the Accountant General’s Department.

As a candidate am I allowed to have representatives within the polling station?
Yes. As a candidate you are entitled to have “election agents” represent you within the polling station. You are allowed one agent for every election table and one agent to act as a courier or messenger. During the count of ballots you are entitled to have up to 4 persons present, including yourself as the candidate.

What is the 7-meter line?
   The seven-meter line is the demarcation point in which candidates are not allowed to go beyond when greeting voters. This is to give voters free and un-inhibited access to and from the polling station.

What is a Writ of Election?
   A writ of Election is issued to commence the start of a Parliamentary Election. It names the polling day, constituency, election room and the nomination day.

What are some of the important dates to remember in a run-up to an election?
   One of the more important periods to remember is the seven-day registration period after the Writ is published. When canvassing, no constituent after the seven-day period if not registered, will be able have their name placed on the register in order to vote.

Advanced polls for travelers and the handicapped persons will take place on a date appointed by the Registrar
    Between 8:00am and 8:00pm. Advanced polls for institutions will take place on a day appointed not earlier than seven days prior to Election Day, commencing at 9:00am.

 Do I have to disclose my interest in government contracts?

    Yes, all nominated candidates are required to disclose any interest in any Government contract within seven (7) days of their nomination as a candidate for election. This disclosure must include the nature of the contract and the interest by means of a notice published in the Gazette or in a newspaper published and circulating in Bermuda. You should also review the Qualifications and Disqualification for election as set out in the Parliamentary Election Act 1978, the Bermuda Constitution Order, 1968, and the Legislature (Qualification and Disqualification) Act 1968