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Defending Democracy

Protective security for those involved in elections

Last Updated 14 June 2024

The aim of NPSA’s defending democracy programme is to protect the democratic integrity of the UK. We will focus on safeguarding its democratic institutions, election and wider processes, and people from a range of national security threats.

A key part of defending democracy is about the protective security of elections and 2024 is a busy election year. The threat landscape has evolved in recent years; if you are involved in elections there is a wide range of advice and guidance available that you can access. 

Security guidance for elections

You can access comprehensive security guidance for elections on gov.uk. Updated regularly, this guidance brings together all relevant election security information for candidates, political organisations, Returning Officers and others in local authorities involved in administering UK elections. 

Understanding the type of threats you could face will help you notice anything untoward. Be mindful of issues that have the potential to escalate both online and in-person. When in public, have an enhanced appreciation of where you are and the situation you find yourself in. Be alert to any potential dangers.

Your local police force offer security briefings for all candidates during the election period. Be sure to attend and engage with these. Plan your movements, varying your times and routes as much as possible to make yourself unpredictable. When canvasing, try not to attend alone, and let your team know where you are. Be aware of the venues you will be attending, exits and safe areas within them. Consider what you will do in an emergency. Familiarise yourself with the emergency call function on your mobile phone and set up your emergency contacts. Know your exact location so you can tell the police if an incident were to happen. Online, carefully manage your digital footprint, and control what personal information is freely available to the public.

Be aware you could be targeted by cyber attacks, including targeted phishing emails. Take steps to protect your personal accounts and devices and review your social media use and settings.

Do not engage with individuals who intimidate or threaten you in-person or online. For online abuse, know who you need to contact and what information to provide. Alert your internet service provider or mobile phone company immediately and use the ‘report abuse’ tools on social media platforms. Contact the police if someone has knowledge or personal information about you that is not public domain or shows fixated ideas or behaviour towards you.

You must contact 999 any time there is a threat of immediate violence or you feel in danger. Keep records of any harassment, the more detailed, the better.

As candidates, you've all decided to take part in our great democratic process. You're not alone. You have access to support from both government and the police, and you should speak with your local policing representative. All candidates are able to access security briefings from their local police force during the election period, and I strongly encourage you to engage with them. If a threat presents itself either online or in-person, you must reach out for support and contact the relevant authorities.

And if that threat is immediate or it's an emergency, you should always call 999. Remember, be alert, plan ahead and know what to do.

For more information on improving your personal safety and security, speak to your local policing representative. Attend the relevant security briefings. Such ‘security guidance for elections’ on gov.uk or follow the QR code.

Security video for election candidates

NPSA protective security guidance

NCSC Guidance

person sitting at laptop

 Includes cyber guidance for high risk individuals.

NPSA personal safety and security guidance

Understanding the type of threats you could face will help you notice anything untoward. Be mindful of issues that have the potential to escalate both online and in-person. When in public, have an enhanced appreciation of where you are and the situation you find yourself in. Be alert to any potential dangers.

Your local police force offer security briefings for all candidates during the election period. Be sure to attend and engage with these. Plan your movements, varying your times and routes as much as possible to make yourself unpredictable. When canvasing, try not to attend alone, and let your team know where you are. Be aware of the venues you will be attending, exits and safe areas within them. Consider what you will do in an emergency. Familiarise yourself with the emergency call function on your mobile phone and set up your emergency contacts. Know your exact location so you can tell the police if an incident were to happen. Online, carefully manage your digital footprint, and control what personal information is freely available to the public.

Be aware you could be targeted by cyber attacks, including targeted phishing emails. Take steps to protect your personal accounts and devices and review your social media use and settings.

Do not engage with individuals who intimidate or threaten you in-person or online. For online abuse, know who you need to contact and what information to provide. Alert your internet service provider or mobile phone company immediately and use the ‘report abuse’ tools on social media platforms. Contact the police if someone has knowledge or personal information about you that is not public domain or shows fixated ideas or behaviour towards you.

You must contact 999 any time there is a threat of immediate violence or you feel in danger. Keep records of any harassment, the more detailed, the better.

As candidates, you've all decided to take part in our great democratic process. You're not alone. You have access to support from both government and the police, and you should speak with your local policing representative. All candidates are able to access security briefings from their local police force during the election period, and I strongly encourage you to engage with them. If a threat presents itself either online or in-person, you must reach out for support and contact the relevant authorities.

And if that threat is immediate or it's an emergency, you should always call 999. Remember, be alert, plan ahead and know what to do.

For more information on improving your personal safety and security, speak to your local policing representative. Attend the relevant security briefings. Such ‘security guidance for elections’ on gov.uk or follow the QR code.

Security video for election candidates

HMG has issued a joint video regarding the safety and security of candidates for forthcoming elections which is available to view below. It highlights where you can access relevant security advice and guidance that may be helpful to you during an election period and beyond, and promotes three key security messages, “be alert, plan ahead, and know what to do”. At the end of the video, you will be able to click on a QR code to take you to more detailed advice and guidance from relevant websites.

polling station box
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