Elections 2015

The next General Election will take place on 7 May 2015

What is a General Election?

Every five years, each constituency in the UK elects one MP (Member of Parliament) to a seat in the House of Commons.

Most MPs are members of a political party, although they may be independent.

The political party that wins a majority of seats in the House of Commons usually forms the Government.

They do this outright if they win more seats than all other parties combined, or if one party wins the most seats but not enough for an outright majority, a government is formed by a coalition of parties.

MPs from the governing party or coalition may become responsible for a ministerial department like Transport or Health.

Caroline will be standing for election as a Green Party candidate in the 2015 General Election.

Isn't there a Green-led council in Brighton as well?

General Elections and Local Elections are different, and often occur at different times.

But in Brighton, this time, they are likely to coincide on the same day, Thursday 7th May 2015.

In a General Election you elect an MP to represent you as part of the UK Parliament, whereas in local elections you elect a councillor to represent you as part of the local council.

You need to vote separately for general and local elections.

Responsibilities nationally and locally are different. Local Councils are responsible for local services and facilities, like council housing, education services, environmental health, and social services.

The UK Parliament is responsible for considering new laws, and examining the Government's policies.

MPs divide their time between working in Parliament and working in the constituency which elected them.

In Parliament, as well as voting on new laws and questioning government ministers on current policies and issues, MPs raise matters on behalf of their constituents, and work in detail as part of committees on wider topics like Energy and Climate Change.

In their local constituencies, MPs hold surgeries to discuss issues that are important to local people, which helps them represent real concerns back in Parliament.

How do I vote in the General Election?

You need to be on the electoral register to vote in UK elections and referendums. Make sure you are registered - you need to do this every year.  It's easy to do.

If you are on the electoral register, you will receive a poll card before the election telling you where your nearest polling station is (usually a school or local hall) and when you can cast your vote.

If you're unable to get to a polling station, you can use a postal or proxy vote.