A General Election has been called for Thursday 4 July 2024, and we are now in the pre-election period.
There are additional Charity Commission guidelines charities must follow during the pre-election period. Find the full guidance here.
In charity law, charities must be, and must be seen to be, independent from party politics. Failing to do this puts trustees, staff and volunteers at risk and could undermine the organisation's reputation. There are a number of ways in which a charity may be at risk of becoming involved in party politics, albeit unintentionally.
The Charity Commission states: “Charities should be especially wary of associating or becoming associated in the minds of the public with a particular candidate or political party. Where the charity supports a popular cause, candidates may see a benefit to themselves in being seen to support the charity, but the charity should be careful to ensure that it is not seen as reciprocating that support. Charities must never support particular candidates even if those candidates belong to a range of political parties.”
There are both legal and reputational risks involved. Our guidance to our member organisations is:
- We advise caution if you are approached by a political party or parliamentary candidate for an endorsement on behalf of your charity
- If you are asked to provide a quote or endorsement for a candidate, please ensure you have referred to the Charity Commission guidance
- If you are asked to appear in an image with a candidate, please ensure you have given consent for the image to be taken and understand where it will be used
- Individuals involved in a charity can be political, campaign for candidates and parties, or stand for election in their personal lives – but there must not be an association, or perceived association, with the charity's work
- If you are unsure, we would advise against endorsing or opposing a candidate or party
Charities play an important role in advocating for policy change, but may be concerned about the potential risks of political campaigning. NCVO have produced guidance around Political campaigning as a charity.
Civil Society have produced an in-depth guide on What do charities need to know ahead of the general election?
The Greater Manchester VCSE Leadership Group have published a collaborative manifesto that has set out collective priorities and asks for the next four years.
Voting in the General Election
To vote in the General Election you must be on the electoral register and, if you will be voting in a polling station, you need to have a valid form of Voter ID.
The deadline to register to vote is midnight on Tuesday 18 June 2024. It takes just five minutes to register to vote online. If you’ve recently moved house, you will need to register at your new address, as being registered for other council services, such as council tax, does not mean you are automatically registered to vote.
The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on Wednesday 19 June 2024.
The deadline for applying for a proxy vote is 5pm Wednesday 26 June 2024. For further information, or to make an application for a postal or a proxy vote, click here.
The deadline to apply for free voter ID is 5pm on Wednesday 26 June 2024. If you are voting at a polling station, you will need to take along a valid form of voter ID. Valid photographic ID includes a passport, driving licence, and some types of bus pass or proof of age card. It can be out of date as long as the picture still looks like you. It must be the original version and not a photocopy. Voters should check they have at least one form of Photo ID on this list and if not, apply for a Voter Authority Certificate.
Some groups are less likely to have a valid form of photo ID already, so are more likely to experience barriers. The Electoral Commission has useful resources in different languages, British Sign Language, Easy Read, and for groups who are more likely to experience barriers.
You will be sent a poll card just before the election telling you when to vote and at which polling station. You can only vote at the polling station location on your card. You do not have to take your poll card with you. Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on the day of the election.