Supporting a political party: canvassing and standing

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Political parties are happy to welcome new members. Joining one is a way to show which ideas you support and to take part in the democratic process.

Parties are especially busy around elections. Party members try hard to win votes for their candidates, for example by handing out leaflets in the street or knocking on doors to ask for support. This is called canvassing. If you'd rather not say, you don't have to tell a canvasser who you plan to vote for.

You can keep your vote to yourself because the UK has had secret voting since the Ballot Act of 1872. Before that, voters had to say out loud who they were voting for, which made it easy for landlords and employers to put pressure on them.

A Polling Station sign on a London street, pointing the way to the polling station — A sign in a London street pointing voters to a polling station during the 2017 general election. Photo: Bondegezou, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Standing for office yourself

To get more deeply involved in UK politics, British citizens can stand for election as a local councillor, or as an MP (or a member of one of the devolved parliaments or assemblies). Irish citizens and eligible Commonwealth citizens may also be able to stand. If you'd like to join a party, look at the parties' websites.

Quiz

Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE? When a party worker knocks on your door before an election, you are required to tell them which candidate you will vote for.

Chapter contents: Your Role in the Community