How long is the Clacton by-election ballot paper? Why it’s broken records and full list of candidates

CLACTON voters face a record-breaking choice when they pick their next MP on Thursday. The ballot paper for the August 13, 2026 by-election is around 3ft long after an unprecedented 34 candidates entered the race. Count Binface is among the record 34 candidates contesting the Clacton seat Credit: PA Nigel Farage triggered the Clacton by-election by resigning as the constituency’s MP Credit: Ray Collins How long is the Clacton by-election ballot paper? The Clacton by-election voting slip measures about 90cm from top to bottom — just short of a metre and longer than many people’s arms. It includes Nigel Farage, Count Binface and three Official Monster Raving Loony Party hopefuls, as well as independents and smaller-party candidates. Sign up for the Politics newsletter Thank you! Tendring District Council’s acting returning officer has said it is longer than any previous ballot paper used at a UK parliamentary election. Its size has created practical problems before a single cross is cast. more clacton by-election news Election staff have had to work out how to fold the paper into postal-vote envelopes, how voters will return it and how counters can spread the sheets out while observers can still see what’s going on. Who are the Clacton by-election candidates? Tendring District Council says 34 candidates is a UK parliamentary election record, beating the 26 who stood in the Haltemprice and Howden by-election in July 2008. The 34 candidates, in ballot-paper order, are: Joseph 77, Independent Adham Alkhatip, The Forward Party Count Binface, Count Binface Party Nick The Incredible Flying Brick, The Official Monster Raving Loony Party Tony Cane, Independent Woke Trump Carrzee, Independent William Stuart James Clouston, Social Democratic Party Rees Cowne, Independent Glenn Charles Cummings, Independent Martin Davies, Freedom Alliance – Real People, Real Alternative! Andy Erlam, Independent Nigel Farage, Reform UK Attieh Fard, Independent Laurence Fox, The Reclaim Party Tony Francis, Independent Robin Green, Independent Abi Hookway, Independent Howling Laud Hope, The Official Monster Raving Loony Party Stephen Richard Ingram, Independent Amy Morris, Independent Derrick Norbert Morris, Independent Martyn O’Brien, Independent Michael Noel O’Keeffe, Independent Nick Pelas, Independent Ketankumar Pipaliya, UK VOICE safer and stronger UK Daniel Pocock, no ballot description James Ransley, Consensus Party Candidate Gerry Smith, Independent Kai Stephens, British Democrats John Stevens, Rejoin EU Baron Von Thunderclap, The Official Monster Raving Loony Party Pamela Walford, Independent Marcus White, Everyone is God Party Marc Wilkinson, Independent Most read in The Sun Polling stations open from 7am until 10pm, and everyone voting in person must bring an accepted form of photo ID. Why is the Clacton by-election happening? The constituency became vacant after Farage left the Commons on July 8, 2026. A new writ was issued the following day and he is now trying to win the seat again for Reform UK. Labour, the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and Green Party are not fielding candidates, leaving a crowded mix of independents, minor parties and satirical challengers. Anyone standing for Parliament must submit valid nomination papers supported by ten registered electors in the constituency and pay a £500 deposit. The deposit is returned only if the candidate wins more than 5% of all valid votes cast. Comment now