European Elections 2009

The European Elections will be held on the 4th June 2009. Almost 500 million European citizens in 27 countries are eligible to vote, as 736 members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are elected for a new five-year term. North East England is represented by three MEPs who are elected by proportional representation.

Why vote?

The European Parliament has a big influence on the lives of EU citizens. EU laws apply in all member states, and many laws passed by national parliaments are drafted in response to European directives (framework laws that have to be transposed into national law within a certain timescale).

The parliament is the only directly elected body in the European Union. The members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are there to represent you, the citizen, as legislation is debated, amended, and either rejected or approved.

You can vote in person or by post, which some people find more convenient. To vote by post, you do need to register in advance. More information on the European Elections is available from the Electoral Commission.

Euro Team 2009

Lib Dem Euro Team - Neil, Fiona and Chris

Fiona Hall is the top candidate on the Liberal Democrat list.

Fiona has been the Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for North East England since 2004.

Chris Foote Wood is the number two on the Lib Dem list.

Read about Chris Foote Wood.

Neil Bradbury is number three on the Lib Dem list.

Read about Neil Bradbury.