Scrap all election deposits to open up democracy

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Petition Action

Scrap all election deposits to open up democracy

Petition Details

We do not think that the ability to pay a specified fee is a relevant or appropriate criterion for determining access to the ballot paper.
The sum, which is returned if a candidate gets at least 5% of votes cast, is “unreasonable" as it depends on financial means. An ‘entry fee’ to democracy.

Additional Information

Election deposits are virtually a ‘tax’ on democracy “The £500 deposit required to run for parliament should be scrapped in order to enable a wider range of candidates to stand, says the Electoral Commission.” This recommendation was made by the Electoral Commission in 2015 . The watchdog said:
“In the case of deposits, it does not seem reasonable to have a barrier to standing for election that depends on someone’s financial means. We do not think that the ability to pay a specified fee is a relevant or appropriate criterion for determining access to the ballot paper.”

“We therefore recommend that deposit requirements are abolished.”

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