The Deposit
Although the deposit is not unique to Britain it is uncommon and of the countries that use it, few others have it at such a high level. To win back the deposit you must poll 5% of the total vote, if you fail to do so the money goes straight to the Treasury. In 1992 the Treasury earned £450,000 from lost deposits, mostly at the expense of the Green Party.
Some argue that the deposit amounts to a tax on democracy and as such it contradicts citizens' rights to present their opinions to the electorate. It discourages minority parties and individual independents from standing as the cost of failure is simply too high.
However the deposit's defenders argue that it serves a useful purpose. They say it discourages extremists such as communists or racist nationalists from standing across the country. And it also keeps the fringe or 'loony' parties down to a minimum, preventing them from muddying the waters of political debate.
Nominations
Nominations must be delivered to the returning officer within six working days after the election is called. Your nomination papers must be signed by ten registered voters from the constituency, two of whom must formally propose and second your candidancy with the remaining eight merely expressing their assent and support.
Last but not least you must give the returning officer your full name and address. You are also allowed to give a six-word description of yourself or the party you represent.
It is possible to stand as a candidate for more than one constituency but if you are elected to more than one seat you must choose which you wish to represent. Standing in multiple constituencies can be an expensive business. Screaming Lord Sutch stood in three seats in 1992 and lost his deposit in every one of them - Huntingdon, where he took 1.0% of the vote, Islwyn (1.3%). and Yeovil (0.6%).
By the time you've officially registered your candidancy the campaign will be well under way.