What Exeter City Council Hopefuls Need to Know About Getting Elected
Becoming an Exeter City Councillor can be an excellent way to give back to your community and champion causes and policies that are important to you. You will typically serve a four-year term if you are elected, so you should prepare for the commitment. As a Councillor, you will have various duties, including shaping Exeter City Council policies, representing the interests of your ward, helping people who access Council services and being a leader in the community.
There are many reasons someone might aspire to become a Councillor. For some, it is a route to learn more about how local government works and a way to launch a political career. For others, it is a role they take on for the love of their local community and a desire to see it thrive. Whatever the reason you’re considering running for Councillor, it is vital to prepare for the election process.
Ensure You Meet the Requirements
There are no formal educational requirements to become a Councillor, but you will need to meet a few requirements. These include:
- Being over the age of 18
- Being a UK, Irish, EU or Commonwealth citizen
- Living, working or being registered to vote in your ward for at least one year.
You should look at the requirements and ensure that you meet all criteria before you begin the process of attempting to get elected. It is best to do this well in advance of the election schedule to avoid the possibility of investing time and money unnecessarily.
Decide if You Want to Represent a Political Party
You can choose to represent a political party when you start your election campaign. Some candidates prefer this, as having the backing of a political party can be beneficial throughout your campaign. You will need to be a member of the party to run as a candidate for that party.
You can also run as an independent candidate, which is more prevalent among candidates running on a single-issue basis. There are guides available online to help you navigate the election process as an independent candidate.
Ensure You Have the Time to Spare
Being a Councillor requires that you’re able to set aside time throughout your week to carry out Council duties. It is not a full-time position, and many Councillors hold full-time jobs in addition to their responsibilities as Councillor. If you have a full-time job, you may find that your duties cut into your free time in the evenings and weekends as you respond to correspondence from the community and other Council business.
You should be sure you have the time to dedicate to the duties required of you before you throw your hat in the ring. For instance, if you have a full-time job and young children, being a Councillor may present a challenge. Getting your partner on board and arranging for additional childcare can be invaluable.
Understand the Rules on Spending and Donations
There are rules and regulations on the spending you can do and the donations you can receive during your campaign. The amount you can spend can vary but will be calculated based on the number of voters registered in your ward. You will find out the spending limit when you begin the process of getting elected. Donations above £50 are usually included in your spending limit.
Get 10 Signatures from People In Your Ward
To become a Council candidate, you’ll need to get the signatures of 10 registered voters in the ward you intend to run in. This includes one person to propose you as a Councillor, another to second that proposal and eight more to assent to your nomination. It is a good idea to find supporters early on in your planning and preparation stage to ensure you have the necessary signatures.
Work Out Your Campaign Strategy
Your campaign should be well thought out and implemented well in advance of the election. It takes time to build a reputation and name for yourself, so you need a campaign that gets your face and name out there and shows people who you are and what matters to you. You should also have a set of clear policies that can be communicated effectively to voters.
Gain a Better Understanding of Public Policy
As a Councillor, one of your duties will be to help shape public policy in Exeter City. This means you’ll need a solid grasp of what public policy is and how it impacts the people of Exeter. Gaining knowledge in public policy can be invaluable to help you excel in the role of Councillor. Consider public policy analysis courses from reputable providers like the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).
Be Seen
To stand the strongest chance of getting elected, you’ll need to become a recognised figure in local Exeter life. This can be done through public appearances at events and by going door to door to discuss the issues facing your ward constituents. You should make your public appearances accessible to as many people as possible and show your commitment to diversity and inclusion. Events should offer real value to attendees and provide an engaging and entertaining experience.
Talk to People in the Community
You should get to know the people in your ward community and become a recognised and trusted face. Listen to the concerns and issues that people raise and note down common problems to help shape your policy when elected. Visit and utilise local businesses and show your support of small and independent organisations.
Learn from Other Councillors
A great way to develop your campaign strategy is by analysing those who have come before you. Review the tactics and strategies used by past candidates, both successful and unsuccessful, learning lessons from both. If possible, talk to current Councillors to get advice on how to have the biggest chance at success.
One common and crucial piece of advice you will receive is to avoid mudslinging when campaigning – it is better to be a candidate of optimism and unity than succeed by trying to bring others down. Candidates who employ such tactics are usually not looked well upon by voters.
Familiarise Yourself with the Code of Conduct
If you are elected Councillor for Exeter City, you will have to adhere to a Code of Conduct, which is applicable in all areas of your professional and personal life. This Code of Conduct is particularly crucial when carrying out Council business. This includes essential principles such as honesty, integrity, accountability and selflessness. You should thoroughly familiarise yourself with the Code of Conduct and adhere to it at all times.
Prepare for the Results
Once the election campaign is over and the votes have been cast, it is time to prepare for the results. You should aim to prepare mentally and know what your next steps will be for either outcome. If you are defeated, you should congratulate your opponent and wish them well in their term as Councillor. You should also try to learn lessons to help you in the future should you consider running again. If you are successful, you should have an acceptance speech prepared and begin the next steps of being a Councillor.
