Local Elections

[Andy Hamilton]

Today is the day that some of us here in the UK are going to the polls. There is never much of a turnout for local elections which is a real shame.

In this area there it can make a real difference. So why is it that when voting for something that can really change an area no one does yet when it comes to national elections where one vote means less people go marching off to vote?

And yes I am using huge generalisations to spark off a bit of debate.

[the.fee.fairy]

i have to admit - i haven't voted.

Work hasnt allowed for it. (in other words, i've had to come to this bl**dy place to work again...for hours on end and i haven't had time to get to the polling station).

[Andy Hamilton]

Open until 10pm!

[the.fee.fairy]

At work til 11pm...

Shopddy isn't it?!

Are you the fastest replier ever?!!!

[Andy Hamilton]

Only when I should be doing something else.

[Cornelian]

Is voting compulsory in the UK? It is here in Australia for federal and state elections, but not for council elections (local councils). Depending on where you are, and what are the local issues, voting in local council elections here can be fairly high (about 70-80%). It is also done by post rather than by polls, so you just get a form and a pre-stamped envelope in the mail, which makes it easier for people to participate (actually having to physically move to the polls, while good exercise, can nonetheless be a pain ).

[Shirley]

I think it should be compulsory in the UK but it isn't.

Here in Scotland we've been voting big time - but at my local polling station the turnout was poor. At least we did our bit and posted our votes... all three of them.

[revdode]

I also did my bit for democracy, the local polling station seemed reasonably busy at half five although I don't think more than a quarter of the addresses were crossed through. Later on we had the SNP knocking asking if we needed a lift to the polling station which is less than a quarter of a mile from my house! Must be desperate, I think this is the first time they may have a chance here.

[Muddypause]

I'm in two minds about this - I think that not voting can be a valid political choice. Also, I really don't like the idea of being required to vote for someone if all the candidates are equally objectionable.

On the other hand, if you don't vote, how can you legitimately complain about the person that got elected? Or how can you complain that politics don't seem to involve you?

Personally, I've never voted for anybody that has actually won the election. I feel rather proud of that achievement. Mind you, it has to be said that occasionally I've voted for people that haven't actually been on the voting form.

[red]

I think we shoudl adopt the 'none of the above' system

quiet often I am unsure who to vote for - but I know who I dont want! - there ought to be a way of saying 'not you!'
if it was made obligitory, then there would have to be an option to choose none of the canidates.

or am i being over negative....

[The Chili Monster]

I'm reminded of the South Park episode - The Douche and The Turd Sandwich.
Tempted to stay away.
Crawled down to the polling station to vote. Handed two bits of paper; one white; one lilac. Get to choose up to two candidates on the white paper - six on the lilac. The problem? On the lilac 5/8 of the candidates represented the same party - needless to say not the one I'd ever vote for.

[Cornelian]

if it was made obligitory, then there would have to be an option to choose none of the canidates.

Oh, there is always that option! LOL I have handed in ballot papers with little elephants drawn over them before now. There are ways and means of making your feelings felt.

[Paddy's mum]

I agree that there should be a formal 'opt-out' box on ballot papers .. perhaps call it the 'I abstain' vote.

It might get a few of these politician thingies to start listening to the populace, for a change!

[Thomzo]

Well I did vote, by telephone. Swindon is one of the areas that was testing various different means of voting. I must say that it was really easy.

It was a shame, though, that it needed about 6 sheets of paper to register for phone/internet voting. I don't see why it couldn't have been done on just 1.

Oh well. Probably slightly more environmentally friendly than driving to the polling station (although I used to walk).

Zoe

[Welsh Girls Allotment]

I'm really not at all keen on internet voting and I didn't know that telephone voting was being trialled - next we'll be stuck with machines that the Americans are burdoned with the diebold machines that decide themselves how you should vote