Short Summary
I'm Thom Brown and I'm a student at the University of Sheffield.
The Above and Beyond Party is campaigning on one single issue only: the inclusion of a None of the Above option on ballot papers. That's it, no other political bias or ideologies.
This is important because in Sheffield Central, an above average 40% of registered voters did not vote in 2010. Of those that did vote, there was a diversity of votes, including many for the Liberal Democrats who represented a protest against the establishment at the time.
Clearly, there is disillusionment with the parties on offer. Sheffield Central has the highest proportion of students of any constituency in the country and I aim to use my status to represent the frustrations these young voters have.
Currently, non-voters are trapped outside the system and all I want to do is give a voice to those who care about how their society is governed, but are frustrated at the failure of elected politicians to represent their views.
With this £500, I will be eligible to stand and start actively campaigning. I can pick up the votes of people who don't believe any party is worth voting for, but I can also give a better option to those who normally just vote for the least bad option.
I have the chance to make a real impact in a constituency that is fed up with the Labour status quo and angry at the betrayal of the Lib Dems on the issue of tuition fees.
If you've read this far, but are unsure if you're willing to donate to such a brand new project and fund someone with no experience of running for Parliament, then don't feel you have to donate. The issue here is that people should be allowed to express that they feel no candidate is satisfactory and if you agree, then spread the message. Share this page and campaign as widely as possible and maybe there will be others who can spare some money.
Feel free to get in contact if you can help with campaigning or raising awareness.