The UK Democratic Election Process

National and Local Politics

Who is entitled to stand for election

• Any registered citizen

• A person living or working within the local authorities border

• Any person aged 18 or over

What excludes a person from standing for election

• Being an undischarged bankrupt

• Holding an unspent criminal record

• Becoming either of these 2 means you automatically lose a held position

Signatories needed to stand

• A Prospective Parliamentary Candidate needs:

• A proposer• A seconder• 8 other signatories

resident within the constituency

• A council candidate needs:

• A proposer• A seconder• 8 other signatories

resident within the ward

The Selection Process for PPC’s• Attending a selection day, undergoing

training, interview and test• If accepted, declared a PPC• Vacancies are distributed as they arise• Any PPC can apply to a local constituency

without residency qualification• Go before a local selection panel • Appointed (local residency is preferred)

The Selection Process for a Political Councillor

• Candidates recommended or self refer• Usually an activist or person with strong

commitment holding membership• Interviewed by a selection committee• Successful candidates identify their

preferred ward • Attend a selection meeting of ward

members

The Selection Process for an Independent Councillor

• Self select

• Apply directly to the local authority at the appropriate time

• (Still needs 10 signatories)

Period of holding a Seat

MP’s• No set time for a term

of office• The Prime Minister

must call a General Election

• No Parliament can sit for more than 5 years

Councillors• Hold a seat for 4 years

unless voted in during a bye election

• Some councils elect All In, All Out

• Some councils have a 1/3 election each year

Publicity and Electioneering Activities Undertaken

• Party Political Broadcasts on TV and Radio• Newspaper Ads• Posters (In windows, on bill boards, in cars)• Personal Media Interviews• Public Meetings• Leaflet distribution

Publicity and Electioneering Activities Undertaken

• Door knocking and talking to local residents• Talking to local residents in a shopping centre• Being out and about in the local area• Text Messaging• E mails• Campaign Website and/or Blogs

Voting Systems in the UK

• Computerised System Piloted• Postal Votes• Voting in Person

• Local and National wins are simply First Passed the Post

Election Day Activites

• Each Authority must provide:

• A Returning Officer• Polling Stations and staff• Ballot Papers and Box• A Counting Centre • Secure transport for Ballot

Papers• Police Presence

For Candidates• Early Bird Leaflets

distributed• Phone calling known

supporters• Telling• Local Candidates out and

about• Attendance at the Count