Unfair Advantages of Large Political Parties
Postal voting makes elections more accessible, but the timing of postal ballot packs and candidate election mail can place independent candidates at a serious disadvantage.
Some people have voted before hearing from every candidate
Postal ballot packs began being dispatched in Clacton at around the same time that candidates were preparing, printing and submitting their election communications.
Some residents have already said publicly that they marked their ballot paper and returned it immediately. Their vote was therefore completed before information from every candidate had reached them.
There is nothing wrong with voting early. The concern is whether the election timetable gives every candidate a fair opportunity to be considered before thousands of postal votes are returned.
A fair system should protect convenient postal voting while ensuring voters receive basic information about all candidates before ballot papers are dispatched.
A very short campaign window
The official timetable left independent candidates with little time to become nominated, prepare their campaign and reach postal voters.
Election timetable confirmed
The Clacton by-election timetable officially began after the election writ was received.
Nominations closed
Only at this point was the complete list of candidates formally known.
Initial postal vote dispatch
Tendring District Council stated that the first postal ballot packs were expected to be dispatched around this date.
Polling day
Voters who had not already returned a postal vote could vote at a polling station.
Why established parties start ahead
Large political parties have permanent staff, existing voter data, national publicity and campaign systems that can be activated immediately.
Campaigns prepared in advance
Established parties may already have approved designs, printers, mailing arrangements, voter data and campaign teams ready before an election is formally called.
Greater name recognition
National parties and well-known candidates benefit from media coverage accumulated over months or years. An independent may have only a few weeks to become known.
Faster access to voters
A large party can print and distribute campaign material quickly. An independent must arrange design, approval, printing, data and delivery from scratch.
Postal votes may be returned quickly
Voters are encouraged to return postal votes promptly. Some may vote as soon as the pack arrives, before later campaign communications reach their home.
A ballot paper with 34 names
With an unusually large number of candidates, voters may rely more heavily on names, parties or candidates they already recognise.
Ballot position matters
Research into British elections has found evidence that candidates near the top of a ballot can gain an advantage, particularly where voters have limited information.
What is a postal vote?
A postal vote allows a registered voter to complete their ballot paper away from a polling station and return it by post.
Who uses postal voting?
Postal voting can be used by people who prefer not to attend a polling station in person.
- People working on polling day
- People who are away from home
- Disabled or older voters
- Carers and people with limited mobility
- People living or travelling abroad
- Anyone who finds postal voting more convenient
How do you register?
You must first be registered to vote. You can then apply for a postal vote online through GOV.UK or complete a paper application.
- Provide your name and registered address
- Provide your date of birth
- Provide your National Insurance number
- Provide a copy of your signature
- Choose which elections the arrangement covers
How does it work?
Your postal ballot pack is delivered before polling day. You mark the ballot paper privately and complete the postal voting statement.
- Follow the instructions carefully
- Complete the required declaration
- Place the ballot in the correct envelope
- Return it early enough to arrive on time
- Hand it to authorised staff if returning it in person
Postal voting can make voting easier
Applications normally need to be received by 5pm, 11 working days before the election. Apply as early as possible so your application can be processed and your ballot pack can arrive in time.
How the system could be improved
The answer is not to restrict postal voting. The answer is to create a timetable that gives voters information before asking them to make a final choice.
Wait until nominations have closed
No postal ballot should be dispatched until the complete list of candidates has been officially confirmed.
Send a neutral candidate booklet
Every postal ballot pack could include one equal-sized statement from every candidate, produced under clear and consistent rules.
Coordinate candidate mail and postal ballots
Postal ballot dispatch could begin only after every candidate communication has entered the Royal Mail delivery process.
Publish one official candidate webpage
Councils could provide a neutral page containing the same photograph, statement, website link and contact details for every candidate.
Review alphabetical ballot order
Where there are unusually large numbers of candidates, ballot order could be randomised or rotated to reduce positional advantage.
Allow a longer minimum campaign period
A longer timetable would give independent candidates a realistic opportunity to prepare, communicate and be considered by voters.
Why is it important to vote?
Elections decide who represents Clacton, speaks for local residents in Parliament and votes on decisions affecting healthcare, housing, employment, public services, taxation and the future of the country.
You do not have to support a large political party. You do not have to vote for the best-known name. But choosing not to vote leaves the decision entirely to those who do.
Register To VoteInformation sources
Postal voting and registration information: Electoral Commission . Apply online: GOV.UK . Clacton election dates: Tendring District Council .