English Council Elections 2023 – What do the parties stand for?

BASW's Public and Political Affairs Lead, Kerri Prince provides a preview of the local council elections in England.

On Thursday 4th May, millions of voters in England will cast their votes to determine who will run their local authority. Although it's worth bearing in mind that not every Council is up for election as many had theirs in May 2022. BBC News has a search function to help you find out if there is an election taking place in your area.

As voters flock to the polling station, a large portion of those voters will still be undecided who to vote for. Despite canvassers knocking on doors, and reams of leaflets posted through letterboxes, the flurry of information can be overwhelming for undecided voters.

The best way to decide who to vote for is to carry out your own independent research on what your candidates believe in.

How to find out more about your candidates

  1. Go to https://whocanivotefor.co.uk/, enter your postcode and this will tell you who your candidates are, and often includes links to find out more information
  2. See if they have a social media presence. Search their name on Twitter or Facebook to see if they have a candidate account. We do not recommend using or contacting them on their personal accounts as political candidates are also entitled to privacy in their personal lives.
  3. If leaflets have come through your door, keep them to the side and a few days before you vote, compare all the leaflets you have received to make an informed decision.
  4. Email them – many candidates will put their email address on a leaflet so that you can contact them to speak to them.

How to find out more about the political parties standing

  1. Look up the party social media. For example, if you’re considering voting for the Green Party, search for their pages on Twitter and Facebook to see what they are saying. You can also go to their website and read their manifesto from the last General Election as to way to see if your views align.
  2. If you’re considering voting for an independent candidate, it can be more difficult to find out their views. If they are currently a Councillor, check your Council’s website to view their voting and attendance record.

Contacting your candidates

  1. If you contact your candidates through social media, email or in person, please remember to be polite even if you disagree.
  2. If you want to speak to your candidate in person, they will often come and knock on your door at a suitable time for you. Don’t be offended if they want to discuss the issue on your doorstep instead of your home. With public officials receiving lots of threats, candidates and those in public office have to be careful about their own safety.

Things to remember

  1. You can vote between 7am-10pm. If you are in the line at 10pm, you will be allowed to vote.
  2. Take photo ID – this is now compulsory.
  3. If you have a postal vote that you haven’t yet posted back, you can go down to the polling station and put it in the box.
  4. If you’re not able to get to the polling station, check with the candidates you’re voting for if they’re able to give you a lift. Some political parties offer this service for their supporters and will be insured to do so – but check first!

If you have any questions about voting or elections, please contact Kerri.Prince@basw.co.uk