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Original poster

Local Elections: No one from my paty standing, hate not voting but hate the alternative.......

61 replies

DrNortherner · 13/04/2007 18:33

....what would you do? Abstein or switch allegiance?

Not voting goes against everything I beleive in.

OP posts:
southeastastra · 13/04/2007 20:06

northener i would seriously go to your local paper with this. surely others feel the same.

Original poster
DrNortherner · 13/04/2007 20:08

I live in Harrogate though, no one else here really acre about absence of labour candidates.

OP posts:
southeastastra · 13/04/2007 20:09

what would your dad suggest you do?

beckybrastraps · 13/04/2007 20:10

All you have to do to stand is get 10 signatures and pay the deposit. Your party of choice can organise that for you. If you don't campaign, you don't win. But you and like-minded people have the opportunity to express their opinion. This is democracy. And people feeling that not voting is an option because they don't like the people standing are contributing to the problems affecting our democracy.

If you don't like who's standing, STAND.

Stand as an independent - loads of people do in local elections.

I know I sound sanctimonious, but I DON'T CARE.

Original poster
DrNortherner · 13/04/2007 20:12

My Dad says to spoil ballot paper, he's not too fussed as long as I vote the correct way in a general election!

Lib dems are highly regarded in this town. Phil Willis is our MP and he does work ahrd for teh town.

OP posts:
southeastastra · 13/04/2007 20:12

we had a great lady standing independently last year, she was very passionate and i voted for her. i just hope she stands again this year.

Blandmum · 13/04/2007 20:12

Thing is though, people can have some exceptionally good reasons why they can't stand.

I couldn't stand. I have too much else going on in my life. I've been politically active all my life, but atm, 'real' life is more time consuming and important

foxinsocks · 13/04/2007 20:13

In that situation, I'd prob vote Lib Dem just so that the they had a stronger position than the BNP (in an anything has to be better than the BNP way)

beckybrastraps · 13/04/2007 20:16

They're called paper candidates. You won't win if you don't campaign. I've done it several times.
You stand just so you and the few like-minded people around you can vote with a clear conscience. If there is no-one from the local party standing, then that is because it is seen as unwinnable this time. So you would be safe...

Original poster
DrNortherner · 13/04/2007 20:17

I too have been politically active for many years, back home I would lefalet with my Dad and go canvassing as well as number catching at polling stations.

I ahve done more than most.

Standing is something I will do when i have time to dedicate to do it properly.

OP posts:
beckybrastraps · 13/04/2007 20:19

When I say stand, I mean just get your name on the ballot. Nothing else. No leaflets, no campaigning, no canvassing, nothing. 10 signatures (my neighbours usually) - that's it. My election expenses return has always been nil. My share of the vote only slightly higher than that

beckybrastraps · 13/04/2007 20:23

I should add that I have campaigned very actively, for other people, in winnable wards. I am having a politcal crisis at the moment. So I am also thinking long and hard about where to put my cross. But I will certainly use my vote.

BTW - Labour do seem to be a bit slack in putting up paper candidates in our area too. I don't know why. I can't see it as a good idea.People could get used to putting their cross in a different box....

Blandmum · 13/04/2007 20:24

I could only stand if I felt that I could actually do the job, and atm I can't so that.

Like you DrN my dad was a councellor, I've done the lot, canvasing, leafleting, making rosettes!

beckybrastraps · 13/04/2007 20:28

We are all the children of local politicians! My mum and step-dad are borough councillors. I am actually a parish councillor, but no-one wants that job and I was elected unopposed

Original poster
DrNortherner · 13/04/2007 20:29

But I'm an all or nothing person, I could not do it and not give it my all. If I were to do it Id try to win.

Could not bear being at a count and getting 3 votes and lots of boos!!!

OP posts:
beckybrastraps · 13/04/2007 20:33

Goodness me - I have never been booed!

And I stood for election in Bradford!

Albeit in a very lovely, leafy, Tory, ward. I suppose the good lady conservatives of Bradford don't boo their opponents...

Original poster
DrNortherner · 13/04/2007 20:34
Grin
OP posts:
southeastastra · 13/04/2007 20:36

northener i think you'd do just fine!

beckybrastraps · 13/04/2007 20:36

I see the point about all-or-nothing. But it would at least solve your voting dilemma. And you do have the choice whether or not to campaign...

I do realise I am a lone voice. Never mind. Not the first time on this issue. I am used to it. I shall stop nagging now...

FluffyMummy123 · 13/04/2007 20:39

Message withdrawn

FluffyMummy123 · 13/04/2007 20:39

Message withdrawn

SenoraPostrophe · 13/04/2007 20:40

northerner, you have to vote lib dem. people not voting is the main reason why these bnp bastards keep getting in.

MrsWho · 13/04/2007 21:28

I would like to stand, but would have to be as an independant now as I couldn't support Labour in that way.
We have a BNP standing in the town centre ward this time.

Original poster
DrNortherner · 13/04/2007 21:34

Becky do not apologise. I love to talk to people who are pasionate baout politics. It's good to see.

Like the idea of my manifesto banning fleeces. Could I add crocs, birkenstocks and DEf leopard t shirts for teh school run to that?

OP posts:
Fillyjonk · 14/04/2007 18:01

" at labour being just as bad as Tories.

I DON@T THINK SO. "

now in what manner shall we fight this out?