A vote cast by someone who cannot reach a polling station. Agent A person who represents candidates in their dealings with the electoral authorities and runs their campaigns. Ballot Another term for vote. Ballot box Sealed box with a slit in the lid, into which voters place their ballot papers. Ballot paper Paper containing a list of all candidates standing in a constituency.
Voters mark their choice with a cross.
Battlebus A vehicle used by a party to transport its leader or other senior figures around the country to rallies or to meet the people. The body which reviews constituencies every 8-12 years to make sure they represent current population patterns. The last review came into effect for the 1997 election when eight seats were added and most had their boundaries changed. The government's tax-raising and spending plans, outlined once a year by the chancellor of the exchequer. By-election An election held between general elections, usually because the sitting MP has died or resigned.