To ask for somebody who is good at explaining things simply to explain the election.

[hellokittymania]

I don't understand anything! For example who and what are we voting for? What does each person want to do if they get elected? Who is Corbin is he good or bad? Please help me to understand what is going on. I really want to vote but I don't understand things

I know I am probably going to get called dreadful names for this, but I genuinely believe that everyone should pass some sort of basic political awareness test before being allowed to vote

I think it's sensible actually, RoastedPotato. Just as I think people should have to pass a test on dog behaviour and care before being allowed to own a dog. It'll never happen though. I love that OP is keen to learn though and think this thread is really useful

Hellokitty here's a link to Tactical voting

Kind of a different topic but if there was the test that could be adapted to fit different abilities, or to check people's understanding but not necessarily be a multiple-choice test Or something, that would be OK. When my mother took the citizenship test, for the US it was adopted because she was older. I think something like that, rather than a 15 fits all kinds of test would be OK.

One size fits all. Sorry but I am using dictation

Piglet - actually Kent is solely grammar system. No comprehensive schools

hellokittymania, that would be a good idea, but unfortunately I don't think they are interested in making the tests more accessible. They don't want to look "soft" on immigration for political reasons.

Also is general election used for every single election in the UK or only for the prime minister? I thought last year's mayor of London election was also a general election.

Last year's mayor of London election was not a general election.

You also get:
local elections - where you elect councellors to the local council,

General elections where each constituency elects one MP to Parliament (this one!) Technically, you are not voting for the prime minister, you are voting for your local MP, but in practice the party leaders have a big influence on how many people vote.

By-elections - if an MP dies or resigns, an election will be held withing their constituency to replace them.

OK thank you that makes sense.

actually Kent is solely grammar system

Err, no it's not

actually Kent is solely grammar system.

No it isn't

And yes the citizenship test for the UK does mention the Anglo-Saxonthe war of the roses and other things that remained in the dust after world history in high school. I do remember the war of the roses but not what dates.

HelloKitty, you will find that for some reason the British think we yanks took our sweet time during WWII.

Future, there are some difficult questions on the British citizenship test!

HelloKitty, you will find that for some reason the British think we yanks took our sweet time during WWII.

Oh, your a Tankie from the US, that explains a lot.

Lurker, I don't know what I am anymore. 😩😩😩 Thankfully London is a very big cosmopolitan city, but even hear people ask me where I'm from all the time. It's like they've never met someone who is British but has an American accent before. I'm a foreigner everywhere, including in my own country. 😂

Oh, your a Tankie from the US, that explains a lot.

Peaceful means. We are all brothers and sisters!

Parliament is fascinating. So many traditions.

MPs are supposed to have a 'voting' buddy on the other side. So if an MP is ill / can't make it, his opposite number won't vote.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pair_(parliamentary_convention)

(only for non critical votes)

There have been a few good programmes about the inside of the Lords and Parliament. Might be worth seeing if you can watch them online.

Piglet/LadyGlitter Sorry to derail on the grammar thing but Kent is one of the only remaining wholly selective counties for secondary - I say it doesn't have true comprehensive schools because something like the top 25% are creamed off to the grammars.

Anyway, back to the election...

Is that you Dianne?

^^ well I thought it was funny

Kokusai
Well, it is really good that you are trying to educate yourself.

Quite a big failing by your parents though to have got you to voting age with so little political awareness.

What a very silly thing to say! My kids were brought up in Asia, they went back to the UK at 18 and had little idea of the political scene. My DH and I kept up a bit but when I told my kids to register to vote they were clueless about who to vote for. I don't think I failed as a parent and you have just insulted the OP's parents just to get a dig in. Bravo!

OP, well done for asking. You have been given great advice here, ignore the twats!

Labour manifesto out:
www.labour.org.uk/index.php/manifesto2017

It's long! But if you wanted to check on specific policy areas that are important to you, you can look it up in the manifesto. Also, if you hear something (good or bad) reported in the media about the manifesto, it is worth being able to check for yourself what they actually said.