Supporting a Political Party

Joining a Party Strong belief in party’s policies Main Scottish parties are Labour,

SNP, Liberal Democrats, Conservative and Green

Parties publish policies in their manifesto before each election

Membership Rights Vote in party leadership elections Vote to decide party’s constituency

candidate May apply to stand as a candidate Contributing to forming and

deciding policies May attend the annual party

conference

Membership Responsibilities To make regular financial

contributions to party funds To publicise the party (not just

before elections) To share the load of organising

and supporting party activities To support the election campaign

Supporting the Election Campaign Active support particularly needed

at election times Special emphasis on winning over

‘floating voters’ Mainly at a constituency level

The Local Campaign Producing and circulating leaflets Displaying posters Holding public meetings Door-to-door or mobile canvassing Organising public appearances of

candidates

The National Campaign Party Political Broadcasts Leadership tours and walkabouts Developing media image and

newspaper support Advertising campaign

Standing as a Candidate Must apply to party to be

considered as a candidate Must have track record of

commitment to the party Hard worker, good communicator,

trustworthy and respected To stand independently, must have

ten local nominations and £500 deposit

Party Websites

www.scottishlabour.org.uk www.scotlibdems.org.uk www.scottishgreens.org.uk www.scottishconservatives.com www.snp.org

Homework for next lesson Visit at least 2 of the party

websites and find out: how to join their political party 2 of their policies for the 2007

election