The LGA has joined forces with the Jo Cox Foundation to call for people to show respect and civility towards candidates standing in, and officers running, the local elections.
The calls come as more than 230 councils – covering around two-thirds of England – go to the polls on 4 May, and it will be the first time that photo ID is required for all voters at all local elections.
The LGA has warned that the changes come with significant practical challenges for councils and has urged people to treat hardworking local polling station staff with patience and respect.
Cllr Kevin Bentley, Chairman of the LGA’s People and Places Board said: “Candidates and councillors want to engage with as many voters as possible during this election campaign.
“However, they should not have to experience abuse, threats or any kind of harmful behaviour simply because of who they are, what they look like or their background.
“As well as this, councils are working around the clock to deliver the local elections and the new voter ID requirements, which is the biggest change to in-person voting in 150 years.
“The practical effort required to deliver this change in such a short timeframe should not be understated.
“It is vital that the implementation of voter ID in May is rigorously and transparently evaluated to ensure that lessons are learned ahead of future elections.”
Su Moore, Chief Executive Officer of the Jo Cox Foundation said: “Campaigning for respectful politics is a key part of our work to make change on the issues that Jo Cox was passionate about.
“Robust debate and scrutiny are essential aspects of our democratic process; abuse and intimidation shouldn’t have to be.”
