Clacton's upcoming by-election will feature the longest ballot paper in UK history, measuring 90cm, with 34 candidates vying for the seat. This follows the resignation of Nigel Farage, who reportedly failed to declare financial aid received before becoming an MP.
Why the by-election is happening
Regulations require newly elected MPs to declare gifts or benefits received in the 12 months before their election that relate to their parliamentary or political activities. Gifts and benefits that are purely personal are exempt. Farage quit as Clacton's MP a month ago, prompting the by-election.
Logistical challenges
Tendring District Council chief executive Ian Davidson, acting returning officer, said preparations have been "manic." He noted the ballot paper's length has changed election procedures: tables must be doubled up, and teams will "have to sort them in batches before [they] can verify or even count them."
Postal votes are already being returned, with most voters heading to polling stations on August 13, according to BBC News.
Record-breaking candidate list
The previous record for candidates in a by-election was 26, set in Haltemprice and Howden in July 2008, according to Paul Whiteley, professor of Government at the University of Essex.
Full list of candidates: Joseph 77 (Independent), Adham Alkhatip (Forward Party), Count Binface (Count Binface Party), Nick the Incredible Flying Brick (Monster Raving Loony Party), Tony Cane (Independent), Woke Trump Carrzee (Independent), William Clouston (Social Democratic Party), Rees Cowne (Independent), Glenn Cummings (Independent), Martin Davies (Freedom Alliance), Andy Erlam (Independent), Nigel Farage (Reform UK), Attieh Fard (Independent), Laurence Fox (Reclaim), Tony Francis (Independent), Robin Green (Independent), Abi Hookway (Independent), Howling Laud Hope (Monster Raving Loony Party), Stephen Ingram (Independent), Amy Morris (Independent), Derrick Morris (Independent), Michael O'Keeffe (Independent), Martyn O'Brien (Independent), Nicholas Pelas (Independent), Ketankumar Pipaliya (UKVoice), Daniel Pocok (Independent), James Ransley (Consensus Party), Gerry Smith (Independent), Kai Stephens (British Democratic Party), John Steven (Rejoin EU Party), Baron Von Thunderclap (Monster Raving Loony Party), Pamela Walford (Independent), Marcus White (Everyone is God party), Marc Wilkinson (Independent).
