Fighting a local election is easier than ever before!

In the old days to win as an independent candidate needed a team behind him or her to win. These days it is far easier and cheaper to fight an election. Free Blogs, Facebook, Twitter and cheap printing will make getting your message out easier than ever. There is plenty of free or cheap software to produce leaflets and small "Sorry you were out" leaflets. Standing for Councils doesn't require a deposit. It just requires that you are able to stand and get 10 signatures from electors on the register in the ward you are standing in.

All this does need planning. Any person standing needs to prepare a plan for the election. This includes:

Reading up on the Election Laws and rules.
Pre-election Campaign
Writing you literature
Printing of Literature and campaign resources. (Remember: Imprint everything)
Timetable for campaigning
Nominations
Relaxation
Postal Vote and Non Postal vote campaigns

It is no use thinking campaigning is easy. Putting leaflets through doors and canvassing the electorate takes time. Being a Councillor takes time. I'm no fan of Independent candidates. But when the local political parties are virtually doing nothing it is time for the Independent to come forward and could win.

There are only two seat due up for election on 6th May 2010. These are Priory Park and Eynesbury. Eaton Socon and Eaton Ford are not due to be up for election this year.

Whilst elections can seem easy from the outside there is much planning involved. Decisions need to be made now on whether you want to stand. Trying to do everything at the last minute will only lead to a bureaucratic quagmire. So if you feel you have the time and energy to do a better job than the current Councillors then decide NOW!


Some useful links:
PicX Website for the Independent Candidate
Hunts DC Pamphlet
Electoral Commission Guidance