Whenever an election is called, be it a public election or private election.  Candidates can put themselves forward.  The committee of the organisation votes to determine who its candidate is, by simple majority.  The following day the election takes starts at 8am, and the candidate who gets the most votes by 10pm is elected.

Public Elections – City Council

To put up candidates in a public election you need to be a political party with members.  To register as a political party costs £1,000.  To put up a candidate costs £500, of which 80% is refunded if you get at least 10% of the vote.

Positions up for election.

  • City Major – Chair of the city council, and ex-officio member of the Police Committee and the Education Committee. The Police Committee can hire and fire the Chief Superintendent (although firing only involves the chief being demoted to Superintendent). The Education Committee hires and fires Headteachers and Senior Staff. The City Major makes proposals to the city council for voting. The City Major is an office holder with a salary (£100,000 and perks such as a city car and driver! The City Major can hold another part-time job or own a company as long as he works less than 20 hours per week.
  • City Counsellor – Representative of a particular territory or organisation. Constituencies are: North Drive, South Drive, City Centre, Business District, Island Businesses, West Drive & Seasons, East Drive and Nature Park. City Counsellors have a portfolio, they can serve on two city committees. Any three City Counsellors can make a proposal to the City Council for voting. City Counsellors are paid a meeting allowance (£500), but it is a part time occupation. There are usually 4 main meetings a year, but they can be called to other meetings if they sit on a committee.

All votes are simple yes/no questions. They must be received by 2pm on the day of a meeting. They are then open to discussion. They are voted on the next day, voting starts at 8am and ends at 12noon.

Issues: Appointment of Staff of council run activities (Beach Kiosks, Market Manager, City Cleaners). Setting of income, sales and property tax rates. Passing of bylaws. Granting of licenses for regulated activities (Gambling, Entertainment Activities)

Elections – School Governors

The Headteacher is the chair of the school governors, but is supported by representatives elected by the parents of children currently attending the school.

The main role of the school governors is to confirm the appointment of staff and promotions, and to determine discretionary staff members. They can also decide a bonus for the headteacher within the school budget. School Governors are volunteers. They are paid £50 per meeting to cover personal expenses.