Election Leaflet Printing Checklist: What to Check Before Ordering

Ordering election leaflets and flyers involves several important decisions. From choosing the correct leaflet size to checking artwork and delivery arrangements, every stage deserves careful attention.

Even a small mistake can become costly when thousands of copies are printed. Incorrect contact information, missing bleed or an outdated artwork file can create unnecessary problems.

Fortunately, a clear printing checklist can help reduce these risks.

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

In this guide, we'll work through a practical election leaflet printing checklist, covering sizes, paper specifications, artwork preparation, legal requirements, quantities and delivery planning.

Why Use an Election Leaflet Printing Checklist?

A printing checklist helps ensure that essential details have been checked before an order enters production.

It can be particularly useful for projects involving multiple candidates, different artwork versions or larger printing quantities.

Once printed materials have been produced, correcting mistakes may require a new order.

Therefore, reviewing the artwork and specifications before printing is an important step.

Benefits of Using a Checklist

  • Helps identify artwork mistakes.
  • Reduces the risk of incorrect printing specifications.
  • Encourages accurate proofreading.
  • Helps organise multiple artwork versions.
  • Supports more accurate quantity planning.
  • Improves production and delivery preparation.

1. Confirm the Correct Leaflet Size

The first step is to confirm the finished dimensions of the printed leaflet.

Common election leaflet formats include A6, A5 and A4.

A6 Election Flyers

A6 measures 105mm x 148mm.

This compact format may be suitable for shorter announcements and materials containing limited information.

A5 Election Leaflets

A5 measures 148mm x 210mm.

It provides additional space for photographs, headings, contact information and supporting text.

Customers can explore our 1,000 A5 leaflets product page when comparing printing options.

A4 Election Leaflets

A4 measures 210mm x 297mm.

This larger format provides more room for detailed information.

Always confirm the correct dimensions before preparing artwork.

2. Check the Paper Weight

Paper weight influences the feel, flexibility and overall weight of a printed leaflet.

It is usually measured in grams per square metre, abbreviated to gsm.

Lighter paper generally produces a more flexible leaflet, while heavier paper provides a firmer feel.

However, the most suitable option depends on the intended use and available budget.

Paper Weight Checklist

  • Check available gsm options.
  • Consider the finished leaflet size.
  • Review handling requirements.
  • Consider the total order weight.
  • Compare printing prices.

Choose a specification that suits the printing project rather than selecting paper weight alone.

3. Choose the Right Paper Finish

Paper finish affects the appearance and texture of printed materials.

Depending on the product, gloss, silk and uncoated options may be available.

Gloss Paper

Gloss paper has a reflective coated surface that can suit certain photographic designs.

Silk Paper

Silk paper provides a smooth coated surface with a less reflective appearance than typical gloss paper.

Uncoated Paper

Uncoated paper offers a more natural texture and may be useful for information-based materials.

Check which finishes are available for the selected printing product.

4. Confirm Single-Sided or Double-Sided Printing

Election leaflets can be printed on one or both sides of the sheet.

Single-sided printing may be suitable for short announcements.

Double-sided printing provides additional design space without increasing the finished dimensions.

Questions to Consider

  • How much information needs to be included?
  • Is the selected leaflet size suitable?
  • Will photographs be used?
  • Are contact details required?
  • Does the artwork need two printed sides?

Make sure the printing order matches the prepared artwork.

5. Check the Artwork Dimensions

Artwork should be created at the correct finished size.

Incorrect dimensions can result in unexpected scaling or cropping.

Before exporting the final design, check the document setup carefully.

Document Size Checklist

  • Correct finished width.
  • Correct finished height.
  • Correct orientation.
  • Required bleed included.
  • Suitable safe margins.
  • Correct number of pages.

Always follow the artwork specifications for the selected printing product.

6. Make Sure Bleed Is Included

Bleed is the additional artwork extending beyond the finished trim size.

It helps prevent unwanted white edges when printed sheets are cut.

For example, if a printer requires 3mm bleed on every edge, background colours and images should extend into that additional area.

However, bleed requirements can vary between products.

Bleed Checklist

  • Confirm the required bleed measurement.
  • Extend backgrounds beyond the trim.
  • Check photographs reaching the edge.
  • Review the exported PDF.
  • Follow the printer's specifications.

Do not assume that every printing product requires the same bleed.

7. Check the Safe Area

The safe area is the region inside the finished trim where important information should be positioned.

Text, logos and contact details should not be placed too close to the cutting edge.

This helps reduce the risk of essential information being trimmed during production.

Keep These Elements Within the Safe Area

  • Candidate names.
  • Political party logos.
  • Contact information.
  • Event dates.
  • Website addresses.
  • Important photographs.
  • Required legal imprint details.

Follow the safe margin measurements specified for the selected printing product.

8. Review Image Resolution

Image resolution affects the quality of printed photographs and raster graphics.

For many standard printing applications, approximately 300ppi at the intended printed size is a common recommendation.

However, the exact requirement depends on the printing process and supplier specifications.

Image Resolution Checklist

  • Use suitable original photographs.
  • Avoid excessive enlargement.
  • Check image quality at the finished size.
  • Use appropriate colour settings.
  • Confirm permission to use images.

Low-resolution photographs may appear pixelated when printed.

9. Check Political Party Logos and Branding

Election leaflets may feature political party logos, colours and other branding elements.

These should be used in accordance with the relevant organisation's requirements.

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

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

Branding Checklist

  • Use approved party logos.
  • Check the correct colour specifications.
  • Confirm authorised photographs.
  • Use suitable logo resolution.
  • Avoid stretching or distorting graphics.
  • Check registered party names and descriptions.

Independent candidates should also verify the accuracy of their printed information.

10. Review CMYK Colour Settings

Professional full-colour printing commonly uses CMYK inks.

CMYK stands for cyan, magenta, yellow and key, which refers to black.

Computer screens commonly display colours using RGB.

Some RGB colours cannot be reproduced exactly using CMYK printing.

Colour Checklist

  • Check the printer's recommended colour settings.
  • Use suitable CMYK values where required.
  • Review important brand colours.
  • Check photographic images.
  • Follow the recommended PDF export settings.

Remember that printed colours may appear different from those displayed on a screen.

11. Check Fonts and Typography

Typography is an important part of professional leaflet design.

Fonts should remain readable at the finished printed size.

Very small text may become difficult to read, particularly on compact flyers.

Typography Checklist

  • Use readable fonts.
  • Maintain consistent heading styles.
  • Check line spacing.
  • Review text contrast.
  • Confirm fonts display correctly.
  • Embed or outline fonts where required.

Always keep an editable original file before converting text to outlines.

12. Proofread Candidate Information

Candidate information should be checked carefully before printing.

Even a small spelling mistake can become expensive when repeated across thousands of leaflets.

Candidate Information Checklist

  • Correct candidate name.
  • Correct political party or independent status.
  • Accurate photographs.
  • Correct contact details.
  • Accurate website addresses.
  • Correct event dates and locations.

Where possible, arrange for another person to review the final artwork.

13. Check Legal Imprint Requirements

Some printed election materials are required to include an imprint identifying the parties responsible for publication.

The applicable requirements depend on the type of election, the material and the relevant jurisdiction.

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

Where an imprint is required, it should be included in the artwork before printing.

Imprint Checklist

  • Confirm whether an imprint is required.
  • Check the correct wording.
  • Verify names and addresses.
  • Review placement and readability.
  • Confirm compliance with applicable rules.

Do not assume that the same requirements apply to every election or printed material.

14. Confirm the Printing Quantity

Choosing the correct printing quantity is an important part of the ordering process.

Ordering too few copies may require an additional print run, while ordering too many can increase costs and create unnecessary waste.

Quantity Checklist

  • Confirm the number of copies required.
  • Check whether multiple designs are needed.
  • Compare available quantity options.
  • Review the total printing cost.
  • Consider storage requirements.
  • Check whether any information could change.

Choose a quantity based on confirmed requirements.

15. Check Multiple Artwork Versions

Some election printing projects involve different candidates, wards, constituencies or events.

This may require several artwork versions.

Careful file management can help prevent incorrect materials from being printed.

Version Checklist

  • Use clear file names.
  • Identify each candidate or location.
  • Keep drafts separate from approved files.
  • Check names and contact details individually.
  • Confirm quantities for each version.
  • Review every final PDF.

Always submit the correct approved version with each order.

16. Export the Correct PDF

PDF is a commonly accepted format for professional printing.

However, the correct export settings depend on the selected printer and product.

Some suppliers provide specific PDF presets or artwork instructions.

PDF Export Checklist

  • Correct finished dimensions.
  • Required bleed included.
  • Appropriate colour settings.
  • Suitable image quality.
  • Correct font handling.
  • Correct number of pages.
  • Accepted PDF format.
  • Final file reviewed before submission.

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

17. Check Production Turnaround Times

Printing turnaround can vary depending on the selected product, quantity, finishing requirements and supplier availability.

Therefore, organisers should confirm current turnaround information before placing an order.

Production Checklist

  • Confirm the selected printing product.
  • Check the required quantity.
  • Review any finishing requirements.
  • Confirm artwork approval.
  • Check current production turnaround.
  • Allow time for delivery.

Do not assume that every printing product has the same turnaround time.

18. Confirm Delivery Arrangements

Delivery details should be checked carefully before ordering.

Incorrect addresses or incomplete information can cause unnecessary complications.

Delivery Checklist

  • Correct recipient name.
  • Complete delivery address.
  • Accurate postcode.
  • Contact telephone number where required.
  • Suitable delivery access.
  • Required delivery date.
  • Any special instructions.

Confirm whether the selected supplier can accommodate any special delivery requirements.

19. Understand Printing and Distribution Requirements

Printing and distribution are separate parts of an election-related project.

A printing company produces the physical leaflets, while distribution involves delivering them through the selected method.

Unless a supplier expressly confirms otherwise, ordering printed leaflets does not automatically include distribution.

Some postal services may also have specific requirements relating to dimensions, weight, eligibility and preparation.

Distribution Checklist

  • Confirm the intended distribution method.
  • Check any applicable postal restrictions.
  • Review finished leaflet dimensions.
  • Consider paper weight.
  • Confirm preparation requirements.
  • Check relevant deadlines.

Always obtain current requirements from the relevant service provider.

20. Complete a Final Order Review

Before placing an election leaflet printing order, complete one final review of the entire project.

Final Election Leaflet Printing Checklist

  • Correct leaflet size selected.
  • Suitable paper weight chosen.
  • Appropriate paper finish confirmed.
  • Single-sided or double-sided printing checked.
  • Artwork dimensions verified.
  • Required bleed included.
  • Important text inside safe margins.
  • Photographs checked for quality.
  • Logos and branding verified.
  • Colour settings reviewed.
  • Fonts checked.
  • Candidate information proofread.
  • Legal imprint requirements confirmed.
  • Printing quantities checked.
  • Artwork versions approved.
  • Final PDF exported correctly.
  • Production turnaround confirmed.
  • Delivery details checked.
  • Any separate distribution requirements reviewed.

Completing this checklist can help reduce the risk of errors and make the printing process more straightforward.

Common Election Leaflet Printing Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced organisers can overlook important details when preparing printed materials.

Some of the most common mistakes include:

  • Using incorrect leaflet dimensions.
  • Forgetting bleed.
  • Positioning text too close to the trim.
  • Using low-resolution photographs.
  • Submitting outdated artwork.
  • Mixing up candidate information.
  • Ordering incorrect quantities.
  • Overlooking applicable imprint requirements.
  • Assuming printing turnaround times.
  • Failing to check delivery details.

Careful checking before production can help avoid unnecessary reprints, costs and delays.

Professional Election Leaflet Printing Throughout the UK

Preparing election leaflets for professional printing involves several important stages.

From choosing the correct size and paper to checking artwork, legal requirements and delivery arrangements, every detail deserves attention.

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

Whether you're ordering a small quantity or planning a larger print run, following a clear printing checklist can help ensure the selected product meets your requirements.

Get Your Election Leaflets Ready for Printing

Before placing an order, confirm your leaflet size, paper specifications, printing quantity and artwork requirements.

Make sure all information is accurate and that any applicable electoral requirements have been checked.

Review the final exported PDF carefully before submitting your order.

Explore our printing products at Affordable Leaflets.

For more information about printing specifications, artwork preparation or ordering, contact our team.