Ballot paper for Clacton by-election is longest in British electoral history
The Clacton parliamentary by-election features the longest ballot paper in British history, measuring 90cm in length. Local officials report significant logistical challenges in printing, folding, and counting the ballots due to the record number of candidates.
Why it matters
The logistical strain on local government highlights the complexities of managing democratic processes when candidate numbers surge in specific constituencies.
Image source, SIMON DEDMAN/BBC Image caption, The ballot paper for the parliamentary by-election in Clacton, as this replica shows, is nearly a metre long
The longest ballot paper in British political history is costing four times as much to print than regular ballot papers, the local council has said.
The list for the Clacton parliamentary by-election, which was prompted by the resignation of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage , is 90cm (3ft) long.
When people unfold the paper, they will find it is longer than most adults' arms.
Tendring District Council chief executive Ian Davidson - who is the acting returning officer for the by-election in the Essex constituency - said organising the vote had been "manic".
People have already started returning postal votes to town hall and most registered voters will go to polling stations on 13 August.
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