Frequent
Asked Questions
This site
launched on the web on 7th May 2009 so while I'd love to say that I've
had hundreds or even thousands of enquiries I'm actually only going
to list here the questions people genuinely ask me through emails.
If you
have a question you can contact me on contact@howtowinelections.co.uk.
If you don't want your question published just tell me, if you want
your details anonymised just tell me.
Here are
some question I've been asked.
1.
Are you allowed to deliver election leaflets on election days?
Yes, and
it's a good idea to do so to remind your supporters that they are expected
to vote that day.
2.
Can you put election leaflets in public houses?
Only if
you have the landlord's permission.
3. Can
we canvass on Election Day as the Returing Officer says we can't?
There is
no legal impediments to canvassing on Election Day. You can canvass
and conduct other campaign activities such as 'Knocking-Up'.
The one restriction on Election Day is that you cannot campaign within
a reasonable distance of the Polling Station, and the definition of
'reasonable' is whatever the Returning Officer says it is.
Some people
like to drive round the area with a megaphone calling on voters to going
to the polls. If the Returning Officer defines 'reasonable' as being
'within earshot' it would be prudent to be silent as you go past the
polling station, or if you can avoid it altogether. Other definitions
of 'reasonable' I've seen used are 'within sight' and with a set distance.
It is uisually determined by the location of the Polling Station. If
you are planning any activities on Election Day speak to the Returning
Officer and find out what he or she will allow and stick by their guidelines.
If you overstep the mark your opponents will complain and dealing with
the complaints will mess up your Election Day.
The reason
for preventing campaign activities near polling stations is to ensure
that parties cannot intimidate voters by having a large number of activists
around the polling station. That is why parties are allowed one Number
Teller at a time at the polling Station and no more.