Most Liberal Democrats, indeed, most political activists, understand the importance of postal voters. First of all, they generally vote - one survey I've seen indicates that turnout rates, even in local elections, is about 75%. After all, if a ballot paper comes to your door, why not fill it in? Second, in a short campaign, you haven't got much time to reach them, as they're likely to fill it in fairly quickly - the return rate falls off as time passes from the date of receipt.
My canvassing had, thus far, been targeted towards the postal voters. We're told where they live and who they are - it's marked on the electoral register - and knowing that they will be disproportionately more likely to vote, meeting them is a must if at all possible.
We knew that the postal votes would be issued on 22 May (a Sunday, curiously, but that's what Mid Suffolk District Council had advised), and it was decided that we would write to each of them. My job was to draft a letter which might persuade them to vote for me, a task made more difficult by the fact that such voters are only likely to get one leaflet.
I've taken the view that making a bunch of promises on issues is a hostage to fortune, especially because, as a District Councillor, you don't necessarily have the means to do big things. It's as much about acting as a champion for local people, finding ways to help them help themselves, as about ideology. On the other hand, how you do things is important, and as a liberal, I tend to think that an informed electorate is a good thing and makes for stronger communities.
So, I'm making some simple promises. If the voters of Barking and Somersham choose to elect me on 2 June, I will;
- work hard
- be available by e-mail, phone and in person
- keep in touch through regular newsletters
- attend Parish Council meetings and other local events
- carry out village surveys
It isn't rocket science. It will involve effort on my part, but if you want to represent people, you have to do it properly...
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