Elections

On 3 May 2007 many of England's parish and town councils went to the polls. To help encourage more people to stand for election and vote in local council elections, the National Association of Local Councils, in partnership with the Electoral Commission, produced 'All about parish and town councils', an election resource pack.

Included within the resource is a booklet which details the roles of parish and town councillors, answers frequently asked questions on candidacy, and provides information on qualifying to run for your local council. A range of case studies have been provided to demonstrate how a parish or town council and its local community can make a difference at the most local level.

In addition, the Electoral Commission devised a toolkit for parish and town councillors and council clerks, highlighting ideas for promoting participation. The toolkit includes top tips for encouraging participation, ensuring local people are aware of elections through publicity, and providing advice for partnership working. It also includes useful contact details and links to websites where further resources and advice can be found, for example the Plain English Campaign and the Disability Rights Commission. This resource is also available on the Electoral Commission's Do Politics Centre website www.dopolitics.org.uk which is an online resource packed with practical materials, advice and guidance. There are also many other useful election resources available at its main website www.electoralcommission.org.uk.

Posters are also available to download. Based on the Electoral Commission's 'How politics affects…' posters they have been designed exclusively to help publicise and raise interest in the work of parish and town councils. There are two posters available, one features May's election date while the other can be used as a general promotion tool throughout the year.

Our website also features a number of useful documents to download, including key dates in the run up to the election, information about the nomination process and election expenses, tips for conducting radio or television interviews, a proforma media release and a document for useful contact details.

 

Elections Posters

Click here for the undated poster

Click here for the dated poster

Click here for the undated poster in pink

Links