As you will no doubt know by now, the UK general election will be held on 6 May 2010. The standard election guidelines are now in force.

In order to enable balanced and interesting debates, messageboards and discussion forums across the BBC will be operating under the BBC's agreed policies. This means there will be additional guidelines for members to abide by if they intend to discuss election issues.

In addition to the existing House Rules you must:

• Declare if you are a candidate
• Discuss the issues, not the personalities
• Avoid sloganeering
• Avoid campaigning

From time to time during the campaign it may be necessary to restrict or close certain discussions. More information on the BBC's house rules that are in place during election periods can be found in the BBC Message Boards Election Guidelines.

If you wish to discuss the election guidelines with other Researchers, please use the Conversation Forum below.