BRITISH CONSERVATISM AND THE PRIMROSE LEAGUE ... - ideals

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Prior to 1885 the rural communities lacked a systematic network
of local associations with which to appeal to voters. Candidates
standing for office were often unable to ensure that all
their
potential
supporters were identified, registered, and provided with a
means to get to the polls.
Their powers of persuasion were further
curtailed by the limitations placed on the numbers of clerks and
officers available to them.
In the face of these limitations, the Primrose League performed
a vital role, marshaling its forces across wide expanses of county
constituencies, supplying a large force of volunteers which, in effect,
assumed many of the expenses and provided services lost to the
Conservative party through the enactment of the Corrupt Practices Act.
The League could serve most effectively where the candidate, the
election agent, and the Conservative Association were weakest:
maintaining a continuous level of propaganda and activity, insuring
that its supporters were registered, materials distributed, and voters
conveyed to the polls.
The League's efforts to ensure the registration
and transportation of out-voters to polling sites were particularly
helpful.
Before 1895 many politically active members of Habitations
worked for Conservative candidates on an individual basis, hesitant to
use their Habitations as a collective entity for fear of violating
provisions of the Corrupt Practices Act.
During the General Elections
of 1895 and especially 1900 associations began to work directly on
behalf of Unionist candidates.
Members of a politically active
Habitation might assume virtually all
the functions typically performed