Local elections are taking place across many authorities in England. About 5000 council seats are being contested. Six mayoral contests will also run on 7 May – in Croydon, Hackney, Lewisham, Newham, Tower Hamlets and Watford.
While pro-life issues are not generally in the hands of local officials, elections are a good time to make your voice heard. During election time, you will encounter canvassers for a particular party or candidate – they may be out and about on the high street or come directly to your door. It can often feel like a nuisance and like engaging with them isn’t worth your time. However, speaking directly to canvassers about the issues that matter most to you can be a great way to let parties or candidates know about the issues that will determine your vote. The conversations you have with canvassers will be reported back and provide another opportunity to make your voice heard.
Download our Guide to Engaging with Canvassers
A Guide to Engaging with Canvassers
What to Say
When you encounter a canvasser, you can simply ask where the candidate or party stand on issues like abortion and assisted suicide. We recommend being as clear and direct as possible and asking:
Question 1
Would your candidate/party vote to support or oppose any move to expand abortion laws?
Question 2
Would your candidate/party vote to support or oppose any move to legalise assisted suicide?
When they answer, make it clear in your response that these are vote-defining issues for you – and a candidate who supports abortion and assisted suicide loses your vote.
A Special Note on Local Elections
If the upcoming election is for local government (i.e. councillor, etc) the canvasser may point out that these issues will not be determined at the local level. In those instances, you can still ask about the party’s position. Lots of canvassers will be engaging with topics of party position, rather than just local topics.
How to Say It
Be sure to remain polite. There is no need for debate, because you’re not speaking with the candidate directly.
Rather, you are trying to express your position – anticipating it will be passed on – and gather what the position of the candidate or party is. The conversation does not need to be long.
Next Steps
Feel free to tell us about any interesting conversations you have by emailing elections@spuc.org.uk
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