How do I check if I can vote?
You need to check with your local authority to see if you are registered to vote and if not, whether you are entitled to vote. For people living in North East Cambridgeshire, you should contact Fenland District Council www.fenland.go.uk or East Cambridgeshire District Council www.eastcambs.gov.uk.
Why should I bother voting?
The decisions taken in Parliament impact everyone in the country – whether to go to war such as in Iraq, how much tax to charge on your income or items like petrol, or whether to release prisoners early or extend sentencing limits. Parliament also decides how much money local authorities will have to spend on the essential services they run in your community. If you do not vote, you miss the opportunity to influence these decisions. During our history, and in many parts of the world today, people have had to fight for the right to vote which we can easily take for granted.
When is the next election?
The date of the General Election is decided by the Prime Minister, who requests that the monarch dissolves Parliament. Unless the Prime Minister loses a vote of confidence in Parliament (which last happened in 1979) he or she can ask the monarch to dissolve Parliament anytime up until five years after the previous General Election.
Why is Steve the Conservative Parliamentary Candidate in North East Cambridgeshire when
Malcolm Moss is our Member of Parliament?
Malcolm Moss will continue as your MP for North East Cambridgeshire until the date of the next General Election – whenever the Prime Minister decides to call it. Malcolm has announced that after over 20 years as your MP he wishes to retire at the next election. Steve was chosen in January 2008 as the Conservative Party Candidate at an Open Primary meeting where any constituent in North East Cambridgeshire had the right to vote. That does not mean Steve will be the next MP – merely that he will be standing for the Conservatives at the next election for this constituency. Until then Malcolm remains your MP.
What is the difference between an MP and a councillor?
A councillor, whether town, district or county, represents a ward on their respective council. An MP represents the whole constituency at Westminster. Councils have responsibility for areas such as education, social services, rubbish collection, and planning all at local level. An MP debates and votes at Westminster on legislation concerning national and international issues – such as climate change, defence, law & order, economic policy, and health.
How do I arrange a visit to the House of Commons?
There are tours during times when Parliament isn’t sitting. To find out more about a tour of Parliament or to see a parliamentary debate you will need to contact your MP - www.malcmoss.easynet.co.uk
What happens if a vote for an MP or Councillor is tied?
It has happened a few times! In the event that a vote for an MP or Councillor is tied then, after a number of recounts the Electoral Returning Officer draws lots to decide who is elected. This may be done by drawing straws (shortest winning) or, more traditionally, by the toss of a coin.
Who forms a Government and how?
It takes 324 MPs to form a Government outright. If no party secures this number then the leader of the largest party is usually invited by the Monarch to attempt to form a coalition with other parties. If no party can form a government then the largest party can attempt to govern with a “minority government”. However, if the Government loses a vote of confidence in the House of Commons (which it is obviously easier to do if the Government relies on others for its majority) then another election must be held.
|
