the uk democratic election process
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The UK Democratic Election ProcessTRANSCRIPT
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