Candidates' process volunteers

Returning Officer

Without Returning Officers the Party would not be able to carry out open and fair selections, and the more we have the faster we will be able to get a full slate of candidates in place for the next General Election. In short the more we have the better.

What's the role?

Members wanting to become approved candidates must go into the Candidate Selection Process. All live selections will be published on the Lib Dem website on the Selection Adverts section. This is run by a Returning Officer who is appointed by the Regional Candidates Chair. Returning officers are volunteers who can claim travel and other expenses. A half day training course is required.

Key tasks

• support the Local Party through the selection process
• agreeing the selection advert wording and paperwork required
• receiving applications
• ensure fair and equal treatment for all applicants
• ensure that the selection rules are followed by all participants and their supporters
• ensure that all members who are eligible to vote can do so
• resolve applicant conflicts (informally as an arbitrator or by making binding rulings)
• run the hustings meeting

• announcing the winning candidate

  But a Returning Officer is not a police officer!

Returning officers are guided by, and supported by the Regional Candidates Chair.

What are the ideal qualities of a returning officer?

• Communication skills
• Organisational ability
• Interpersonal skills
• Attention to detail
• Integrity & Impartiality
• Assertiveness
• Good judgement
• Calmness under pressure

If you think you might be interested in tackling this important role, please contact the Candidates Office on candidates@libdems.org.uk or speak to your Regional Candidates' Chair - details can be found on this web page.

Electronic Ballot Administrator

Without E-Ballot Administrators, the Party would not be able to offer the secure, modern, and accessible voting methods that our members expect. The more administrators we have, the more efficiently we can process selections across the country, ensuring we have a full slate of candidates ready for the next General Election. In short, the more we have, the better.

What's the role?

E-Ballot Administrators are the technical backbone of the Candidate Selection Process. While the Returning Officer oversees the rules and the people, the E-Ballot Administrator manages the digital infrastructure that allows members to actually cast their votes. This is a remote, flexible role that can be done entirely from home. Volunteers are required to attend a training.

Key Tasks

• Training & Compliance: Attend a training session on how to use Mi-Voice and pass a data protection module.
• Coordination: Work with Returning Officers to confirm the details of a selection.
• System Setup: Set up the electronic ballot using the Mi-Voice system.
• Voter Communication: Request, via HQ, for ballot emails to be sent to the electorate.
• Voter Support: Support voters who do not receive, or lose, their ‘Unique Voting Code’ or who have other issues casting their ballot.
• Counting: Use Mi-Voice to conduct the final count (note: the system handles the Single Transferable Vote calculations).

Ideal Qualities

• Attention to Detail: Crucial for accurately setting up the electronic ballot and managing voting codes.
• Technical/Digital Competency: Experience and comfort with using technology (Mi-Voice) and data protection.
• Reliability & Responsibility: Required to handle training, data, and the secure conduct of the ballot.
• Customer/Voter Support Skills: Ability to patiently and effectively assist voters with technical or administrative issues.
• Organisational Ability: Necessary for managing the setup process and coordinating the count.
• Integrity & Discretion: Essential when dealing with confidential member data and the security of the ballot.
• Time Management & Flexibility: Ability to manage project-based work, which can be done entirely online, and decline projects if needed.