Election Agent in May 2008

kpp2002 Mon Oct 29, 2007 at 07:41:01 PM GMT Print-friendly version Facebook

To do or not to do?




Does anyone have any experience of doing the above in local elections? ive been asked to do so in May and im undecided.

Ive done a bit of googling and it dosent seem too ardous, but Id prefer to hear from people in the know

Im not afraid of a bit of hard work but are they any hidden dangers etc?

cheers

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Election Agent in May 2008 | 8 comments (8 topical)

Re: Election Agent in May 2008 (#1)

by pipesmoke on Tue Oct 30, 2007 at 08:09:34 AM GMT

Absolutely; go for it!


Re: Election Agent in May 2008 (#2)

by swatantra on Tue Oct 30, 2007 at 10:55:20 AM GMT

Getting to grips with all the legal technicalties, otherwise you'll come a cropper. Region is laying on training for Agents and its best to go on these sessions. Good luck!


[ Parent ]

Re: Election Agent in May 2008 (#3)

by alexhilton on Tue Oct 30, 2007 at 02:21:11 PM GMT

Hmmm tips.

  1. Keep a little book where you keep a note of all donations and spending so you're not trying to collate it all afterwards.

  2. Way before the election gets close decide on leaflet templates and work out how much copy you need from the candidates. Hunt down this copy and photos as early as possible because some candidates will happily keep you waiting until a week after polling day.

  3. Get blank nomination forms from your ERO - arrange to fill in two nomination forms per candidate if it can be done. This would count as 20 signatures instead of ten so even if there are errors on both sheets you should be OK. Last time I came across such an error, it was the BNP who discovered their candidate's form was invalid after one assenter had signed the Tory candidates' form.

will think of more tips when i get a moment.


Re: Election Agent in May 2008 (#4)

by officer on Tue Oct 30, 2007 at 04:46:08 PM GMT

You've got some good tips already. Do attend the event that the party will organise for candidates and agents and take copious notes and keep the handouts!
 On the other hand when it comes to the returns don't panic if you find that other people have different views on how to do them. I have been an agent 3 or 4 times and received different and conflicting advice over the years. There are different ways but honesty and transparency are the key.
Just stick to what you are told at the Party event, keep receipts and record everything. Also you can use an online copy of the returns form but it is quite temperemental so don't panic if you find it easier to print it out and complete by hand!
My other advice would be to keep a diary of who helps and when - leafleting, stuffing envelopes, canvassing, making sandwiches on election day etc and make a point of thanking them - a card from you and the candidate or similar. I always keep a little notebook with me throughout the campaign.
Every year I say I'm never going to do it again but I always do, because in the end it is very rewarding.
GOOD LUCK


Re: Election Agent in May 2008 (#5)

by kpp2002 on Tue Oct 30, 2007 at 07:48:45 PM GMT

thanks a lot guys , some really good tips

now to overturn that 987 lib dem majority....


Re: Election Agent in May 2008 (#6)

by champagnesocialist on Thu Nov 01, 2007 at 05:13:38 PM GMT

As a matter of interest how would one go about becoming an agent? Is it a job within the clp which is applied for as other exec positions are or are people approached by the party?


Re: Election Agent in May 2008 (#7)

by kpp2002 on Thu Nov 01, 2007 at 07:05:05 PM GMT

I just got asked by the candidate , who is a member of my CLP (same branch as well so that helped!)

there was no formal process at all. Our prospective MP at the next election (stephen Twigg) also encouraged me.

Since my initial post Ive had a very good meeting with the candidate where we bounced some ideas round. really looking foward to it now

this is the result from May 2007 :

http://councillors.liverpool.gov.uk/mgElectionAreaResults.asp?XXR=0&ID=89&RPID=123885&J= 3

so clearly we will do very well to win.


[ Parent ]

Re: Election Agent in May 2008 (#8)

by TonyHannon on Fri Nov 02, 2007 at 04:20:35 PM GMT

Sounds very interesting Kpp - Good luck and keep the forum informed!


[ Parent ]

Election Agent in May 2008 | 8 comments (8 topical)