Museums and the election
Museums and the election - Meeting candidates
Writing to candidates - Doorstep canvassing
Marginal constituencies - What not to do - After the election
Finding out more
Writing to candidates - Doorstep canvassing
Marginal constituencies - What not to do - After the election
Finding out more
For politicians an election is all about winning votes. For museums and galleries it offers a chance to capitalise on the heightened political atmosphere.
This briefing offers advice on ways to use the pre-election period for a museum’s benefit, by raising its profile and influencing those looking to gain political support.
Many of the principles and techniques outlined here are applicable to all aspects of advocacy and lobbying, particularly for other local and national elections.
Why is election time different?
Parliament is dissolved when an election is called therefore most MPs leave Westminster and become entirely constituency-based (this period is often referred to as ‘purdah’). Their priority becomes meeting their constituents. This provides the best opportunity to catch them in your area and encourage them to take an interest in your work.
The election period gives prospective parliamentary candidates (PPCs) the status of a potential MP. This often frees them from the demands of their paid employment, enabling them to visit and see your work in the daytime.
Political networks are at their most active during elections. Local councillors, political activists and influential party supporters will be keen to identify local issues and interests that concern a significant numbers of voters in their constituency.
In this period local media may find issues and initiatives newsworthy, enabling you to attract significant publicity and reach a wider public. For example, threats of a budget cut may provoke an intervention (on your behalf) from a party’s parliamentary candidate.
This may be unusually effective, particularly in a marginal seat.
Downloads
Museums and the election (pdf)
This briefing offers advice on ways to use the pre-election period for a museum’s benefit, by raising its profile and influencing those looking to gain political support.
Many of the principles and techniques outlined here are applicable to all aspects of advocacy and lobbying, particularly for other local and national elections.
Why is election time different?
Parliament is dissolved when an election is called therefore most MPs leave Westminster and become entirely constituency-based (this period is often referred to as ‘purdah’). Their priority becomes meeting their constituents. This provides the best opportunity to catch them in your area and encourage them to take an interest in your work.
The election period gives prospective parliamentary candidates (PPCs) the status of a potential MP. This often frees them from the demands of their paid employment, enabling them to visit and see your work in the daytime.
Political networks are at their most active during elections. Local councillors, political activists and influential party supporters will be keen to identify local issues and interests that concern a significant numbers of voters in their constituency.
In this period local media may find issues and initiatives newsworthy, enabling you to attract significant publicity and reach a wider public. For example, threats of a budget cut may provoke an intervention (on your behalf) from a party’s parliamentary candidate.
This may be unusually effective, particularly in a marginal seat.
Downloads
Museums and the election (pdf)
