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What are elections?
Elections are a democratic process where citizens over the age of 18 elect political candidates to represent them and their interests locally, nationally or internationally.
The process is determined by a voting system, where citizens vote for one candidate. The candidate with the majority of votes is elected. Anyone who is enrolled on the Electoral Register is able to vote.
There are three different types of election:
Local Government Elections
Under the Local Government Act of 1972, the date set for ordinary local government elections is the first Thursday in May each year. In metropolitan areas, these elections take place most years.
Liverpool has 33 wards and 99 councillors. Councillors are elected by a simple majority and serve for four years.
Casual vacancies can sometimes occur due to factors such as retirement, illness or death.
Parliamentary Elections
A government serves for a maximum of five years before dissolving. However, the government may call a parliamentary (or 'general') election at any time during the five-year period.
By-elections may occur due to factors such as retirement, illness or death.
Liverpool has five constituencies - Garston, Riverside, Walton, Wavertree and West Derby. Each constituency returns one MP on a simple majority.
European Parliamentary Elections
The European Parliament serves for a fixed term of five years. Election dates are set by the European Parliament. The last elections were held on 10 June 1999. The North West region is represented by 10 MEP's (Member of European Parliament).
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