Count down to general election

Quakers across Britain are engaging with the general election, called for Thursday 8 June.

The general election is an opportunity to highlight Quaker concerns, particularly on important topics like nuclear weapons, immigration, climate change and human rights.

Image of the Quaker Vote website

As the election campaign begins, Quakers' representative body says, “Humanity needs leaders of integrity and conscience, ready to be held to account by individuals and institutions, national and international."

Quakers' general election website suggests detailed questions to put to parliamentary candidates on key topics. It also offers this simple encouragement to meetings: “Take out a table, two chairs and some cups of tea, and invite passers-by to join you and discuss politics. Encourage them to use their vote, and listen to their views. Talk to them about Quaker values, without suggesting they support any particular party."

What can Quaker meetings do?

  • Uphold all involved in the entire election process by holding regular vigils
  • Encourage voter registration and encourage everyone to vote
  • Write to parliamentary candidates
  • Hold hustings to question candidates
  • Host a panel discussion
  • Raise awareness through local media, including reports and letters to editors

Tools to help

Quaker website

Toolkit for action

Guide to elections and hustings

Social media to follow

@BritishQuakers @QuakerVote @PoliticalQuaker @MediaQuaker

Who to contact

Have a question about elections and hustings?

Jessica Metheringham is Parliamentary Engagement Officer for Quakers in Britain

jessicam@quaker.org.uk

020 7663 1107

Have a question about engaging the media?

Anne van Staveren is Media Relations Officer for Quakers in Britain

annev@quaker.org.uk

020 7663 1048 or 07958 009703

Tell us, tell the community, tell the media