Standing as a candidate is an excellent way of building your political experience in a laid back, yet informative manner.
The more candidates we stand at the election, the more seriously we’re taken by the public and the media. It helps us become a household name, and it forces the press to take note of what we’re doing. It gives credibility to our existing councillors, and helps building a vote base for wins in the future. It also gives us an idea of the ‘base vote’ in an area, and gives us access to important information about voters there.
What is a ‘non-target’ candidate?
A non-target candidate is someone who is standing for election for the Greens in an area where we know there’s no chance of us winning because we are not campaigning. We need to target our resources well, so in these areas we don’t campaign. A non-target candidate is also known as a ‘paper candidate’ because they are a candidate on paper only; not campaigning to win. Paper candidates do not usually leaflet or canvass, nor are they expected to deal with the media.
There’s no realistic chance of a paper candidate getting elected, but having someone on the ballot paper has a number of benefits. Being on the ballot paper and on candidate lists helps people get used to seeing Green candidates as a choice. It shows the Greens as a serious party with people across the country committed to its values and aims, and by standing for election, paper candidates give hundreds or thousands of people the chance to vote for their preferred party.
What do I need to do if I stand as a non-target candidate?
We just need you to sign your nomination forms, which takes just a few minutes of your time. Additionally and only if you’re willing, we’d also like you to obtain 10 nomination signatures from people who live in the area where you’re standing.
Are you sure that non-target candidates won’t get elected?
Yep, we’ve been doing this for years. Unlike the bigger parties, it takes a lot of effort and resources to get Greens elected. It doesn’t happen by chance so we’re confident when we say that our non-target candidates won’t be getting elected.
I’d love to be a Green Party councillor in my area, how do I make that happen?
Because we know that electing Greens takes a lot of time and energy, we concentrate our resources on those areas where we know we can win, building up votes and support over time. To find out whether your area is or could be one of our strategic priorities, get in touch with the local party Coordinator, see the Contact page.
What are the requirements to stand as a target candidate?
The only formal requirement for any candidate in any election is that they are a member of the Green Party. For General Elections, candidates must be legally qualified, and not disqualified, as defined under UK electoral law. Target candidates for any election will also need the formal support of the members.
After that, target candidates will doubtless need energy, enthusiasm and commitment to seek to win the seat. The local party has a big part to play in encouraging and supporting target candidates in all the ways it can.
How often are the elections?
Parish every 4 years, District every 4 years, and General every 5 years unless the government is defeated by parliamentary vote.
What support is offerred for the candidates by the local party?
Support for candidates is provided by the local party, only limited the number of people available and the amount available in the budget.
Party members and supporters will help with leaflet distribution and raising a deposit for the General Election.