Basic facts you need to know before elections

[StrongerThanYouTh1nk]

What in your view does a voter need to know (in broad terms) ahead of the elections on the 4 May 2023, in order to make an informed decision?

Many voters base their decisions on newspaper headlines and views of their family and friends.

But what is the right way to prepare for elections, assuming you know very little to start with, for example because you're young or new to the country?

Anyone?

Read the literature that has been or will be delivered from candidates. This is local elections. Understand the candidates' views on issues of local importance but also understand what their party stands for and campaigns on in larger, more national and international issues. Get to grips with the ideologies underpinning the parties. Take it seriously. This is our democracy and we owe it to each other to make the best and most informed decisions.

Agree with reading the candidates' leaflets and letters / websites / social media.

How do they say that they and their Party they will fix local problems like sewage spills, traffic congestion, threats to wildlife, extremist ideologies being taught by third parties in our schools? Is the Council managing its planning and licensing policies competently (think maybe about HMOs and SEVs)? How do they feel about immigration and emigration and how that is or potentially might affect the local area, e.g. hospitals, service industries, local employment?

If an Independent is standing, what are their policies beyond 'not being part of the mainstream parties' (I've just had a letter from one where that is his entire rationale for standing, it seems).

Who are the local candidates? Are they good councillors/MPs? What is their voting history (rather than their stated policies)? Do you agree with them?

What are the local/national issues that matter to you?