Election Campaign Leaflet Printing: A Complete Guide to Planning Your Campaign

Printed leaflets are widely used during election campaigns across the UK. They allow political parties, local candidates and independent representatives to provide information about their campaigns in a physical format.

Whether materials are being prepared for a local council election, parliamentary campaign or another electoral contest, professional printing and careful artwork preparation are important considerations.

At Affordable Leaflets, we provide leaflet printing options for customers throughout the UK.

This guide explains the practical considerations involved in election campaign leaflet printing, including leaflet sizes, paper choices, artwork preparation, printing quantities and regulatory requirements.

What Are Election Campaign Leaflets?

Election campaign leaflets are printed materials used to communicate information about candidates, political parties and election-related activities.

They may include details about a candidate, policy information, public meetings, campaign contact details and other relevant information.

Leaflets can be produced in several formats depending on the amount of content and the intended method of distribution.

Common Uses for Election Leaflets

  • Introducing candidates and their backgrounds.
  • Providing information about political parties.
  • Explaining campaign policies and priorities.
  • Advertising public meetings.
  • Sharing campaign contact details.
  • Providing information about election-related events.

The content and distribution of election materials may be subject to specific legal requirements. Campaign organisers should check the applicable guidance before printing or distributing their materials.

1. Choosing the Right Election Leaflet Size

Leaflet size is one of the first decisions to make when planning an election printing order.

Different formats provide different amounts of space for text, photographs and other information.

A5 Election Leaflets

A5 leaflets measure 148mm x 210mm and are a commonly used promotional format.

They provide space for a headline, candidate photograph, supporting information and contact details.

For customers considering this format, our 1,000 A5 leaflets product page provides a starting point for exploring printing options.

A6 Election Leaflets

A6 leaflets measure 105mm x 148mm and offer a more compact format.

They may be suitable for short announcements or materials containing a limited amount of information.

However, the smaller size provides less room for detailed text.

A4 Election Leaflets

A4 leaflets measure 210mm x 297mm and provide additional space for longer content.

This format may be useful when several sections of information need to be presented clearly.

Folded Election Leaflets

Folded formats can divide information into separate panels, making them useful for longer documents.

For example, different panels might contain candidate information, campaign details and contact information.

The best format depends on the amount of content, printing budget and practical requirements of the campaign.

2. Single-Sided or Double-Sided Election Leaflets?

Another important consideration is whether the leaflet should be printed on one side or both sides.

Single-sided printing may be suitable for short messages, while double-sided printing provides additional space.

Single-Sided Printing

  • Suitable for shorter announcements.
  • Provides a straightforward layout.
  • May be appropriate for materials with limited text.

Double-Sided Printing

  • Provides additional space for information.
  • Allows content to be divided into sections.
  • Can accommodate photographs and contact details.
  • May reduce the need for a larger format.

Compare the available printing specifications and prices before choosing an option.

3. Selecting Paper for Election Campaign Leaflets

Paper selection affects the weight, feel and appearance of a printed leaflet.

Different paper weights and finishes may be suitable for different applications.

Lightweight Paper

Lighter paper can be practical when producing large quantities of printed materials.

However, the available paper options and their suitability depend on the chosen printing product.

Heavier Paper

Heavier paper generally feels more substantial and may be appropriate for materials requiring a firmer finish.

It can also increase the overall weight of a large print order.

Coated and Uncoated Paper

Coated paper can provide a smooth surface for printed photographs and graphics.

Uncoated paper offers a different texture and may be suitable for certain document styles.

When selecting paper, consider readability, intended use, printing costs and any distribution requirements.

4. Preparing Election Leaflet Artwork

Artwork preparation is an important part of professional leaflet printing.

Before submitting a design, make sure it meets the printing specifications for the selected product.

Artwork Preparation Checklist

  • Use the correct finished dimensions.
  • Include the required bleed.
  • Keep important text within the safe area.
  • Use suitable image resolution.
  • Follow the recommended colour settings.
  • Check that fonts display correctly.
  • Proofread names, dates and contact details.
  • Export the artwork in an accepted file format.

Photographs and logos should be suitable for reproduction at the intended print size.

Customers can find information about submitting their files through our artwork upload page.

5. Organising Information on Election Leaflets

Clear layouts can help readers locate important information without unnecessary difficulty.

When preparing artwork, consider how the different sections will appear on the finished leaflet.

Common Information Elements

  • Candidate or organisation name.
  • Relevant photographs or logos.
  • Campaign information.
  • Dates and event details.
  • Contact information.
  • Website addresses.
  • Any legally required imprint information.

Use clear headings and readable text sizes.

Important information should not be positioned too close to trimming edges.

6. Understanding Election Printing Imprints

Election-related printed materials may be required to include an imprint identifying the promoter and other relevant parties.

These requirements are an important consideration when preparing political campaign artwork.

The applicable rules can depend on the type of election, the material and where it is being published or distributed.

Campaign organisers should consult current guidance from the Electoral Commission and the relevant electoral authorities.

Official guidance is available at the Electoral Commission website.

Do not assume that a standard commercial leaflet layout automatically satisfies the requirements for election material.

7. Choosing Election Leaflet Printing Quantities

Printing quantities should reflect the intended use of the materials.

Campaign organisers may need to consider the number of locations involved, planned distribution methods and available budget.

Questions to Consider

  • How many printed copies are required?
  • Will different versions be needed?
  • Are the materials intended for one event or several?
  • Could any information change before distribution?
  • What storage arrangements are available?

Ordering more leaflets than necessary can create waste, particularly when materials contain time-sensitive information.

Compare available quantities and prices before placing an order.

8. Allowing Time for Printing and Delivery

Election campaigns often involve fixed deadlines.

Therefore, printing and delivery schedules should be considered before artwork is finalised.

Allow sufficient time for proofreading, file preparation, production and delivery.

Always confirm current turnaround information before arranging any distribution activity.

Printing and delivery dates should not be assumed until they have been confirmed by the supplier.

9. Checking Candidate and Party Information

Election leaflets may contain names, photographs, party descriptions, logos and other identifying information.

These details should be checked carefully before printing.

Campaign organisers are responsible for ensuring that the information they supply is accurate and that they have the necessary permissions to use relevant images, logos and other materials.

Where official party descriptions or emblems are used, the applicable electoral requirements should also be checked.

10. Election Leaflets for Political Parties and Independent Candidates

Printed campaign materials may be prepared for political parties as well as independent candidates.

Examples of established UK political parties include Labour, the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats, Reform UK, the Green Party and the Scottish National Party.

Other registered parties operate across the UK, including in Wales and Northern Ireland.

Independent candidates may also require printed materials for local or national electoral campaigns.

The practical printing considerations are broadly similar regardless of political affiliation: accurate artwork, suitable formats, appropriate paper and compliance with relevant regulations.

11. Considering Distribution Requirements

Printed election leaflets may be distributed through several channels, depending on the campaign and applicable rules.

Potential methods include door-to-door delivery, distribution at authorised events and certain postal services.

Some election-related mailings may qualify for specific Royal Mail arrangements, subject to eligibility and conditions.

Campaign organisers should confirm the relevant rules and service requirements directly with Royal Mail or the appropriate electoral authorities.

Printing and distribution are separate activities, and the availability of a particular printing product does not establish eligibility for any postal service.

12. Reviewing Election Leaflet Proofs

Before approving artwork for production, review the entire design carefully.

Pay particular attention to information that could create problems if printed incorrectly.

Final Proofreading Checklist

  • Candidate names are correct.
  • Party or organisation details are accurate.
  • Dates and event information are correct.
  • Telephone numbers and website links work.
  • Photographs and logos are suitable.
  • Text remains readable at the finished size.
  • Required imprint information is included.
  • The artwork matches the printing specification.

Once a print order enters production, correcting errors may require a new order.

Professional Election Campaign Leaflet Printing

Preparing election campaign leaflets involves several practical decisions, from choosing a suitable size and paper stock to checking artwork and understanding legal requirements.

Clear specifications and careful preparation can help ensure that printed materials are produced in the intended format.

At Affordable Leaflets, customers can explore professional leaflet printing options for a wide range of applications.

For information about available printing products, artwork requirements and ordering, visit our website or contact our team.