We have 3 weeks to make a difference
On May 2nd 1,760 candidate are flying the flag for Liberal Democracy. We are defending 470 Liberal Democrat seats and are targeting many more.
Our performance, as a party, will change the lives of millions in the County and Unitary authorities of England and Wales. It will also be seen as another marker in the rebuilding of the party. How our performance compares with both the Tories and UKIP will be backdrop to the elections of 2014 and 2015. Wherever we are in the UK these elections are crucial, so we all need to take the responsibility to work to make sure we get the best result possible.
Below we respond to some of the campaign issues that have been raised with us at ALDC in the last week, which we hope will be useful for those in the thick of our campaigns.
However if you do not have elections in your own area, or yours is not a targeted Division, please volunteer to help either on the Action Days or as part of the National Phone Bank.Campaign Update1. Scripts
Many people are using Connect for the first time in earnest and we’re aware that it’s a steep learning curve for many. Making sure that the essential canvassing that you’re doing is based on scripts that are easily into mapped into Connect will make everybodies life easier.Here’s ours a quick guide to using scripts.
2. UKIP
UKIP are standing 1, 727 candidates, just 33 less than we are. Many people have contacted us for advice and we held ad hoc workshop at Brighton on the issue and party HQ have gone back to UKIP supporters in Eastleigh to try to understand their voters better. We are hoping to produce some strategic guidance before the weekend.
3. Working Harder
The message many of our candidates will be trying to convey in their messaging and literature is that we are hard working councillors. Why not feature a photograph of the candidate doing hard physical work for the community? – perhaps digging with spade or fork, or sweeping with a broom combined with clear captions and a story getting across the point.4. Postal Voters.
Last week we circulated our guidance on the importance of postal voters. For those who missed it here it is again.
5. Deadlines
5pm Wednesday 17th April – Last day to apply for a new postal vote or amend / cancel an existing one.
5pm Wednesday 17th April – Last day to amend / cancel a proxy vote.
5pm Wednesday 17th April – final registration applications to vote on May 2
Happy Campaigning
John Bridges
Campaigns Officer
PS please make contact with the county or unitary you plan to work in this weekend!