SNU Statement on keeping elections fair, accurate and safe for all – Wednesday 19th August 2026.
“Dear friends, members and affiliates,
Election periods naturally bring increased scrutiny, debate and disagreement. The Spiritualists’ National Union welcomes robust discussion, criticism and campaigning, and members are fully entitled to question decisions, challenge how the Union operates, disagree with candidates or officers, and engage in satire or parody.
The Union has strict policies in place to ensure that it remains impartial and protects the fairness and integrity of its electoral process. Candidate statements are formally circulated and made available to members both directly and on the SNU website, but outside of this the Union does not promote any individual candidates’ campaign materials through any of its official channels or platforms.
In recent weeks, we have seen an increase in false or materially misleading claims about the Union and those involved in the election online, alongside AI-generated images and videos which in places are not only misleading or inaccurate in their claims, but are also needlessly dehumanising, abusive or inflammatory in their use of imagery.
There have further been instances where opinions – which everyone is fully entitled to – are being presented as fact
We have also been made aware of posts encouraging individuals to share confidential or restricted information in circumstances which could risk breaching data protection requirements or contractual obligations, without clarity as to how that information would be used, handled or retained, or on what basis and justification it is being requested.
The Union, its officers and its candidates are not above criticism, nor should they be. There is, however, an important distinction between legitimate criticism and the circulation of false claims, material misrepresentation, personal abuse or dehumanising content.
Personal attacks against any candidate in the election process should be neither encouraged nor normalised.
Our concern is not to restrict criticism, disagreement or campaigning, but to protect a fair election in which candidates and issues can be considered on their merits.
It also speaks to the tone and nature of the discussions being held, to what extent we are upholding our Principles as a religion, and the expected standards of conduct as a charity and organisation, during this vitally important time.
We therefore ask members and affiliates to continue to question, debate and participate fully in the democratic process, while considering carefully the accuracy, source and nature of material they create or share online.
Criticism can be forceful without becoming personal, and disagreement can be robust without undermining the fairness and integrity of the election.
For the benefit of all candidates and members, we ask everyone to uphold those principles throughout the remainder of the electoral process.
Above all, a fair and accurate election process which does not seek to harass, abuse or undermine any of its candidates, or mislead the voting body – intentionally or otherwise – is undoubtedly to the benefit of us all.”
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this statement or its advice, please feel free to get in touch.