Local Elections 2nd May Thurs, England and Northern Ireland

[arista]

Already
from Ch4HDNews report last week
Conservatives knocking on doors
have been Punched.

No Brexit Party in 4 days
they did not have time to set up their party
they are having their impact on May the 23rd
The EU Elections.

Many are saying the Conservatives will lose
the most in this local Elections,

[joeysteele]

The reports of abuse and if right,being punched is a disgrace.

Some people, hopefully a minority,claim to believe in democracy but it seems only if they get ALL their own way as to it.

It doesn't work that way, all along the way compromise, readjusting and finding the right and fair way has to be worked out.

Once people turn to abuse and punching, they help kill democracy not build it up.

[chuff me dizzy]

We only have European elections this year

[arista]

We only have European elections this year


Yes its not every County.

[smudgie]

We have 2 local elections.
Thinking I won’t bother, first time ever.:shrug:

[Underscore]

My first ever vote.

Voting Independent as I have a choice of Labour or UKIP otherwise. No thanks.

[arista]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b2/United_Kingdom_local_elections_2019_map.svg/400px-United_Kingdom_local_elections_2019_map.svg.png
Yes London is not part of this year's Local Elections

[arista]

My first ever vote.

Voting Independent as I have a choice of Labour or UKIP otherwise. No thanks.



That's fair enough

[Underscore]

Lib Dems expected to mop up the Tories, especially as they do much better in locals and the Tories vote has dropped so significantly. Labour won't do well in posh rural areas

[Underscore]

Obviously wouldn't hold these on a pedestal as it is local and, well... it isn't national voting but

1122106716131401733

This would put the Lib Dems back to a pre-2011 position in this wave of locals (if my calculations are right).

[chuff me dizzy]

We have 2 local elections.
Thinking I won’t bother, first time ever.:shrug:

As my Mam used to say "If you don't vote, you cant moan afterwards "

[arista]

Lib Dems expected to mop up the Tories, especially as they do much better in locals and the Tories vote has dropped so significantly. Labour won't do well in posh rural areas


Yes Labour can not take every zone.

But its not for sure
LibDems will mop up as you would love.

[arista]

We have 2 local elections.
Thinking I won’t bother, first time ever.:shrug:


Trouble is
many are refusing to vote
which is terrible


And
[the new party Change UK (were called the Independents)
did not register in time to put up candidates for the local elections.]

[smudgie]

As my Mam used to say "If you don't vote, you cant moan afterwards "

My belief as well Chuff.
But the lot that are up locally just aren’t worth my cross.
I will be voting in the forthcoming MEP elections if they take place, and the much needed general election.

[arista]

My belief as well Chuff.
But the lot that are up locally just aren’t worth my cross.
I will be voting in the forthcoming MEP elections if they take place, and the much needed general election.


Fair Enough

[arista]

one to watch will be
Thanet in Kent 56seats No overall control


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_United_Kingdom_local_elections

[arista]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DseRJNTWoAAHAY6.jpg

Just England Map
of the 2019 , May local Elections


From Ridge Politics SkyNewsHD 9AM - 10AM
The fella that has being doing the Elections since 1989
said this a Election in some places
that in 2015 would have had UKIP MP's
but now in 2019 they have only a few councilors
So it is "mainly" Labour Vs Conservative
and some LibDems.

[arista]

https://storify.com/services/proxy/2/H1_wPmDesX8Li_Bxo65PSg/https/d2kmm3vx031a1h.cloudfront.net/w97Qfwj7RxaLSS0ClK1v_excp.JPG

[Cherie]

We have 2 local elections.
Thinking I won’t bother, first time ever.:shrug:

spoil your vote Smudge, they are counted and at least its a form of protest vote

[smudgie]

Thought better of it.
Votes done and ready to post.

[smudgie]

spoil your vote Smudge, they are counted and at least its a form of protest vote

Ah, just posted.
I voted on both papers.
Same fella, I know him and I know he really does try hard for the locals.
Independent as well.
Labour haven’t even got a candidate.:shrug:

[bots]

not voting is exercising your democratic right too. Can't see me voting on anything other than a ref any time soon.

[Underscore]

Ah, just posted.
I voted on both papers.
Same fella, I know him and I know he really does try hard for the locals.
Independent as well.
Labour haven’t even got a candidate.:shrug:

Lib Dems, Tories, Greens etc haven't got one in mine. Literally UKIP, Labour and Ind

[arista]

1122607830165532672

[arista]

https://storify.com/services/proxy/2/F8WTm3u5a8zIOQHniAbpTg/https/d2kmm3vx031a1h.cloudfront.net/17sSOjbSSaKFbxtwEXaw_LITI-29-04-19-001-I01A.png

[joeysteele]

Thought better of it.
Votes done and ready to post.

Well done smudgie.
You and I have some agreements and disagreements on politics.
However you know your stuff too and I always read what you say.

I always encourage people to vote, even if they are voting opposite to myself.

It's just so sad we are so ill served by a strong number of politicians.
Most are really trying their best but sadly near all of them having leaders who are the worst set of Party leaders likely ever.

[arista]

1122830727979073536

[Alf]

My choices at the council elections are. Conservative, Labour or Lib Dem. What a choice.

I think I'm just gonna write Brexit on my ballot paper, and vote for none of them.

[arista]

Tonight
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D5kwBUnW0AIXJBX.jpg

LBC Radio 10PM start
SkyNewsHD Midnight Start
BBC1HD 11:35PM Start

[arista]

Labour Hold Stevenage
Labour hold Coventry
Conservative lose Tandrige to No Overall Control
Thurrock remains under No Overall Control
Conservative lose St.Albans to No Overall Control
Portsmouth remains under No Overall Control
Conservative Lose Peterborough to No Overall Control
Labour Lose Hartlepool and Wiral to NOC
Conservative Lose Southend On Sea
Conservative Hold Swindon
Conservative Gain North East Lincolnshire from NOC
Conservative Lose Basildon
Liberal Democrats Hold Eastleigh
Labour Hold Plymouth

[arista]

1124117905426325504

1124128291135414273

[michael21]

I have voted already

The op can not vote

Life in the sky and Bt sports lane

[arista]

1124129266705346565

[Denver]

Independent parties are doing extremely well

[arista]

1124135911313289216

[arista]

1124134548449759232

[arista]

My choices at the council elections are. Conservative, Labour or Lib Dem. What a choice.

I think I'm just gonna write Brexit on my ballot paper, and vote for none of them.


https://e3.365dm.com/19/05/768x432/skynews-local-elections-2019_4657359.jpg?bypass-service-worker&20190503030530

[Denver]

I voted for Black country party but they didnt get in all though they had a very good result for their first ever election

[bots]

it's not good for either of the main parties, but labour should be the most concerned. It's normal for the government to lose council seats mid term, it's not normal for the main opposition to lose them too

[arista]

https://election.news.sky.com/england-local-council-elections-26/broxtowe-15698

This is Anna Soubry's Broxtowe
which was Conservative now NOC

[user104658]

it's not good for either of the main parties, but labour should be the most concerned. It's normal for the government to lose council seats mid term, it's not normal for the main opposition to lose them tooYes but the normal situation would be people flipping from the government to the opposition or other established parties, the situation currently (with people jumping ship from all of the main parties because of Brexit) is really unprecedented.

[arista]

https://election.news.sky.com/england-local-council-elections-26

Allow Notifications - it auto updates

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D5n4vroX4AAC4Gc.jpg

All Out Politics HD 9AM

[joeysteele]

The message is clear enough.
Sort out the brexit issue.

Labour has the problem of most of its voters don't want to leave the EU, nor its membership.
Corbyn does want to leave and the Party's MPs are split as the Nation is.

The Conservatives are at present a disastrous governing body, also like Labour trying to fit a square peg in a round hole as to brexit.

On the doorstep which I didn't do much of this time.
It was near impossible to please either side on the brexit issue.
Views are so strongly held.

These elections are bad for both main Parties.
If PR was in place for a general election, they would be in deep trouble.

What is surprising is in even leave constituencies, votes going to the Lib Dems and Greens, the 2 firmer remain Parties.

It's not a good set of results for UKIP either.

In a general election I'd say another hung Parliament is pretty sure to happen.

2 doors next to one another I went to.
I was told by one, if Labour supported a new vote on brexit, they'd support Labour wholeheartedly.

Next door, the view was if Labour supported a new brexit vote.
They'd never vote Labour again.

That is the problem for both the main Parties.
Even in local elections.

However, the Conservatives were in a high point last time, so losses,maybe not on the scale they will be, were expected totally.

The Lib Dems near wiped away in 2015, would recover so gains expected.
It may be surprising by how much they have given their stay in the EU stance.

For Labour, this is really not good.
Modest losses but on top of a poor time in 2015.

Is there an answer.
I don't know really.
Except neither of the 2 main Party leaders can unite the Nation in my view.
So back to the drawing board in my opinion.

[arista]

"The message is clear enough.
Sort out the brexit issue."

For Sure Joey

Also UKIP never had enough
to start with.

[Livia]

Conservatives taking a punch, Labour taking a slap.... what we expected really. But I'm genuinely surprised that the anger with which the LibDems were met when they sold out and got into bed with the Tories has seemingly been forgotten now. People have very short memories. Anyhoo, half the votes haven't yet been counted... interesting times.

[joeysteele]

Conservatives taking a punch, Labour taking a slap.... what we expected really. But I'm genuinely surprised that the anger with which the LibDems were met when they sold out and got into bed with the Tories has seemingly been forgotten now. People have very short memories. Anyhoo, half the votes haven't yet been counted... interesting times.


It's mystifying to me too how in just 4 years, the anger against the LibDems has eased.

A new good leader for both Parties could see them off again.
Sadly this is likely to inflame more the divisions on brexit as the Lib Dems claim this is a vote to explore remaining in the EU.

I'm really confused actually.
I can't get why with the Government and Labour while trying to find a consensus on leaving the EU, find support ebbing away from them, in leave voting areas, to the most strongest remain Party standing in those areas.

I've canvassed in a fair few elections, never have I found until now in local elections one issue only, namely brexit the thing raised on the doorstep.
Often angrily or with great hostility from both sides on it.

[Cherie]

Conservatives taking a punch, Labour taking a slap.... what we expected really. But I'm genuinely surprised that the anger with which the LibDems were met when they sold out and got into bed with the Tories has seemingly been forgotten now. People have very short memories. Anyhoo, half the votes haven't yet been counted... interesting times.

I heard alot of people saying this morning that they didn't have a choice in their area so voted for the Lib Dems rather than not voting at all

[Liam-]

Labour needs to nail their flag to the mast of either Brexit or second referendum, the confusion about where they stand from numerous members of the party isn’t inspiring faith in anybody to vote for them either way

[arista]

Labour needs to nail their flag to the mast of either Brexit or second referendum, the confusion about where they stand from numerous members of the party isn’t inspiring faith in anybody to vote for them either way


Yes the Leader
wants Brexit

[arista]

The PM is in Wales Live now

[arista]

A Old Bloke just shouted "why do you not RESIGN, we do not want you"


The rest shouted "Out , Out"
he was removed

[arista]

The LIbDems Gained 8 Council's in all

One Council Ashfield changed to a Local Independent group of people
https://election.news.sky.com/england-local-council-elections-26/ashfield-15764

[MTVN]

Lib Dems always do well locally so it's not a big surprise, these are all the seats that were last contested in 2015 as well when they were at rock bottom so it left plenty of room for improvement

[smudgie]

Good result for the public.
A kick up the backside for the two main parties.
Time to sort themselves out.
Independents doing well, alongside LD.
Will be interesting to see the EU results with the Brexit party involved.

[arista]

Lib Dems always do well locally so it's not a big surprise, these are all the seats that were last contested in 2015 as well when they were at rock bottom so it left plenty of room for improvement


Yes no increase on MP's
Once OLD Vince buggers off
they may improve

[arista]

https://e3.365dm.com/19/05/768x432/skynews-local-elections-2019_4657359.jpg?bypass-service-worker&20190503030530


Posting Again For our good OLD Poster Alf


Loads of Folks did this
Rock On
the EU Election May the 23rd Thursday , as well

[arista]

Conservative Hold West Devon
Conservative lose Welwyn Hatfield to No Overall Control
Hartlepool Labour Lose to NOC
Calderdale Labour Gain from NOC
Trafford Labour Gain from Conservative
Conservative lose Welwyn Hatfield to NOC
Conservative lose Mid Suffolk to NOC
Conservative lose Southend-on-Sea to NOC
Conservative Gain North East Lincolnshire
Conservative Lose Mendip to NOC
Labour Lose Middlesbrough to NOC

[arista]

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[Vicky.]

Ugh. I voted Labour, but simply as our local MP is amazing, hes held the area for like 20 years now and really does seem to listen and help with stuff that he can. I felt ****ing dirty doing it which is a bizarre feeling for me given I have always voted Labour. I cannot do in in whatever General comes up though. Unless theres some large changes made before then which I doubt :/

[Vicky.]

It's mystifying to me too how in just 4 years, the anger against the LibDems has eased.


I don't think it has really, but they are pretty much the only party to vote for if you want another ref. So anger aside, to vote for what the country seems to feel is the only/main reaosn for voting today. Near everyone I know who is 'supporting' the libdems is doing so holding their noses basically. But, its that way for most parties these days!

[Cherie]

Ugh. I voted Labour, but simply as our local MP is amazing, hes held the area for like 20 years now and really does seem to listen and help with stuff that he can. I felt ****ing dirty doing it which is a bizarre feeling for me given I have always voted Labour. I cannot do in in whatever General comes up though. Unless theres some large changes made before then which I doubt :/

I think that is fair enough, I don't think people should vote with Brexit in mind in local elections, they should vote for the person who will do most in the community

[Cherie]

https://www.indy100.com/article/boris-johnson-local-elections-london-deleted-tweet-8897686

Boris tweeting that he had voted when we didn't have any elections in London :joker:

[Vicky.]

I think that is fair enough, I don't think people should vote with Brexit in mind in local elections, they should vote for the person who will do most in the community

Yeah its what locals are about for sure. I was tempted by some new independant candidate that popped up though, but i have had much personal help from the Labour one that the chance wasn't worth it, not that I can see him ever losing his seat anyway. Plus the independant leaflets seemed to be a LOT of spin..rather than stuff tha can actually be done (I mean, she promised an extra 2m funding for our local area if she got in? AFAIK, thats not in her power at all)

The problem is, support in locals seems to be made out to be support for the party in general. And while some may well vote that way, surely most don't and realise that its..kind of a different thing?!

[arista]

https://www.indy100.com/article/boris-johnson-local-elections-london-deleted-tweet-8897686

Boris tweeting that he had voted when we didn't have any elections in London :joker:


Yes HE
DELETED IT
though

[arista]

John Curtis has done the National Share of the Vote

Conservative 28%
Labour 28%
LibDem 19%
Others 25%





Very much like the last General Election


Ref: BBCnewsHD live

[Underscore]

Very happy with the Lib Dem result. Voted IND (not out of choice) so glad they won around me and up and down the country.

[Cherie]

Yes HE
DELETED IT
though

That doesn't change the fact that he LIED, not a great look for someone wanting the top job

[arista]

That doesn't change the fact that he LIED, not a great look for someone wanting the top job

But it may have been him drunk.

If its Deleted - its a Dead Story now , in my
professional view

[arista]

The PM is now Live in Scotland
Aberdeen

Only on SkyNewsHD
No idea why BBCnewsHD can not show it?


Saying the same Script she spoke in Wales
Like "Just Get Brexit Done" - everyone is telling her.
but of course she buggered up the deal


Her Script words:
"As We Chart a New Course on Global Britain"


Written by her civil servant , I think.

[arista]

The LibDems did a Pact deals with the Greens
to get some zones.

[arista]

1124335455934341125

[arista]

Conservatives down 889 seats
Labour down 124 seats
Lib Dems up 523 seats
UKIP down 79 seats (10 seats left)
Others up 569 seats



Ref: SkyNews Fast Data.

[arista]

Labour Loses North East Derbyshire
to the Conservatives

Labour held that zone since the 1970's
https://election.news.sky.com/england-local-council-elections-26/north-east-derbyshire-15871

Also
North East Lincolnshire Gained by Conservatives from NOC
https://election.news.sky.com/england-local-council-elections-26/north-east-lincolnshire-15865

[arista]

Conservatives have lost well over 1,000 seats


5:19PM -1,099


Prime Minister's Fault

[Twosugars]

Pleased about LibDems

[arista]

Mid Devon
Conservative lose to NOC.

But West Devon
Conservative Hold.

[arista]

A 2nd Council has gone to a Independent Group
North Kesteven
was Conservative

https://election.news.sky.com/england-local-council-elections-26/north-kesteven-15921


Also
Brighton & Hove: No change - no overall control



Data:
Conservative - 1,132
Labour - 99
LibDem + 595

Data 5:30PM :BBC

[arista]

Amazing
From Ch4HD news
one zone up north the leavers voted Green
even though Green is a Remain.
So Labour lost,
the fella's all voted Green
even though they were Labour.


Also LibDem Now have 10 Councils , in all.

And
North Hertfordshire went from Conservative to No Overall Control



The long list of Council votes - better than the BBC
https://election.news.sky.com/england-local-council-elections-26

[Cherie]

Amazing
From Ch4HD news
one zone up north the leavers voted Green
even though Green is a Remain.
So Labour lost,
the fella's all voted Green
even though they were Labour.


Also LibDem Now have 10 Councils , in all.

and this is why we need a second ref :pipe:

[Beso]

and this is why we need a second ref :pipe:

As long as it's within a week of announcing it I'm all for that

[arista]

No the Conservative Leader
and Labour Leader
do want a 2nd vote.

[Cherie]

No the Conservative Leader
and Labour Leader
do want a 2nd vote.

Let’s see if they are still of that mind next week

[joeysteele]

I float between having a new referendum and not.

My view is it's not wise.
The division, irritation and hostility from some more strong minded voters from the last one, could make a new one even more worrying than the last one.

However, I agree with Cherie, it is more likely now for a new vote.
The Lib Dems buoyed up by their success with the Greens too, in these elections will be pushing hard for one.

As arista says both main Party leaders are against one and neither will want to concede anything to the Lib Dens.

Why, pro a new vote and staying in the EU Parties have done so well is a puzzler to me.
I get voting UKIP and Independents as a protest.

However voting Lib Dem in such numbers is clouding the brexit issue further.

I fear the nsin Parties are in for greater challenges on this no matter what they do re brexit.

Two new leaders would help a bit probably, these 2 both look tired and incapable of uniting enough of the UK.

The European elections held under PR will give another uncertain picture.
A general election under first past the post, will have give it take a few seats, either Conservative or Labour as largest party.
On yesterday's results, a more likely Labour minority government supported by the SNP.

Who says politics is dull.
I don't think Change.UK will do that well but unless the main 2 parties get an act together.
Negative change for them is much more likely now across the board.

The hostilty on the doorsteps I found while canvassing these local elections was scary and unbelievable.
Never in elections have I come across it.

Although I did like the one who said to me, he started with a foul word then said, ''Labour sending schoolboys out now, ...... off''.
Clenching his fist.
However I am 27, so took it as a compliment.
Thanking.him for his time.

[bots]

i think labour and the tories will come to an agreement now and get brexit done. Neither want humiliation in the european elections and that will be a certainty if they go ahead

[arista]

i think labour and the tories will come to an agreement now and get brexit done. Neither want humiliation in the european elections and that will be a certainty if they go ahead


Unless Labour stay still
to let the Conservatives get damaged , even more
helping Labour to get a Election.

[joeysteele]

Unless Labour stay still
to let the Conservatives get damaged , even more
helping Labour to get a Election.

I can see that from Corbyn.

In any election it's pretty clear no main Party can get an overall majority probably.

Whether Labour ended up just ahead of the Conservatives or just behind them in seats.
Apart from the DUP,.the anti Conservative vote in Parliament, would ensure a Labour led government.
Of course it will depend if the Brexit and Change.UK Parties can get any seats in Westminster too.

What happens then is anyone's guess.
I think your point to waiting for more chaos for the Conservatives is a valid one.
It suits Corbyn's agenda.

In hung Parliament territory again, he'd be more likely to get the support to govern.

[arista]

"In hung Parliament territory again, he'd be more likely to get the support to govern."


Or send us all again for a fast 2nd General Election

[Livia]

I worry about all the independents who are suddenly in council. I remember a few years ago there was a huge protest vote and loads of UKIP councillors were elected. None of them expected it, didn't really want to be in council, didn't go to meetings, didn't meet the Parish councils and in the end, stepped down causing a by election. The people who suffered were those they were meant to serve.

[joeysteele]

I worry about all the independents who are suddenly in council. I remember a few years ago there was a huge protest vote and loads of UKIP councillors were elected. None of them expected it, didn't really want to be in council, didn't go to meetings, didn't meet the Parish councils and in the end, stepped down causing a by election. The people who suffered were those they were meant to serve.



That's another strong point re the Independents.
As is your last sentence.

[Vicky.]

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/may/03/ballot-paper-marked-brexit-win-tory-councillor?fbclid=IwAR3NSNbpHKCNEnMrR_VAtc_jBQC7CR Nuea8r0rwEDkcW7I2Br3nRfj842mg

A ballot paper marked with the word “Brexit” and a large arrow across the page pointing to the Conservative candidate has been ruled to be a vote for a councillor who won by a majority of one.

Sorry but this is ****ing hilarious if true :D

[Cherie]

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/may/03/ballot-paper-marked-brexit-win-tory-councillor?fbclid=IwAR3NSNbpHKCNEnMrR_VAtc_jBQC7CR Nuea8r0rwEDkcW7I2Br3nRfj842mg



Sorry but this is ****ing hilarious if true :D

yes I believe it is :laugh:

[joeysteele]

If anything other than a cross as a vote is on the ballot paper, it is a spolied ballot.

If that one has been counted and allowed it has to be surely wrong.
I've been at counts, anything with writing on the ballot paper is discarded.

[arista]

If anything other than a cross as a vote is on the ballot paper, it is a spolied ballot.

If that one has been counted and allowed it has to be surely wrong.
I've been at counts, anything with writing on the ballot paper is discarded.



Yes its a error
those counting the forms get tired
and the checkers also get tired.

[joeysteele]

Yes its a error
those counting the forms get tired
and the checkers also get tired.

Crikey, tired counting local election ballot papers.
There's hardly that many votes to count.

[Livia]

If anything other than a cross as a vote is on the ballot paper, it is a spolied ballot.

If that one has been counted and allowed it has to be surely wrong.
I've been at counts, anything with writing on the ballot paper is discarded.

But Joey, you know a half-decent agent will argue for every spoilt ballot paper. If I'd seen this one I would have argued for it for my candidate, and so would you probably! I remember having argued over a paper where the voter dad drawn a penis next to the Conservative candidate and nothing next to any of the others and I ended up having it counted. You have to be willing to argue and it depends on the returning officer... but when all the agents and reps gather round to inspect the spoilt papers, you can guarantee a couple will be argued for and added to the result.

[Underscore]

I worry about all the independents who are suddenly in council. I remember a few years ago there was a huge protest vote and loads of UKIP councillors were elected. None of them expected it, didn't really want to be in council, didn't go to meetings, didn't meet the Parish councils and in the end, stepped down causing a by election. The people who suffered were those they were meant to serve.

In personal experience, Independents tend to perform better/as good as any other major party candidate. They tend to have the local people more at heart rather than those who are aligned to a party who sometimes think about their political careers.

[Livia]

In personal experience, Independents tend to perform better/as good as any other major party candidate. They tend to have the local people more at heart rather than those who are aligned to a party who sometimes think about their political careers.

In my experience they are happy amateurs. Also the parties have a 'group' in council' where they plan work together. I don't at all find that they have the local people at heart more than the parties, because you have to either live in the ward you stand in, or have some other proper connection to the area, and party councillors tend to stand for the same ward election after election. I'm not sure anyone who stands as a councillor think of it as furthering a political career, not for around £4000 a year. Whether they belong to a party or not, people who stand for council tend to be focused and serious... it's just that those connected to a political party tend to stand long term and less likely to stand for just one term.

[joeysteele]

But Joey, you know a half-decent agent will argue for every spoilt ballot paper. If I'd seen this one I would have argued for it for my candidate, and so would you probably! I remember having argued over a paper where the voter dad drawn a penis next to the Conservative candidate and nothing next to any of the others and I ended up having it counted. You have to be willing to argue and it depends on the returning officer... but when all the agents and reps gather round to inspect the spoilt papers, you can guarantee a couple will be argued for and added to the result.



Hmm I don't know Livia.

I know when I've been at a count I've noticed votes that hadn't a cross.
Which were discounted.

There was a ballot paper too where a cross was more in the Conservative candidates box, with a smaller part of the cross in the box below him.
It was discounted.

As you point out it will depend on the returning officer.

Personally, I wouldn't accept a single ballot paper that had more than a cross on it.

It's simple enough to do, just put even the smallest or largest cross beside a candidates name.
Anything else should warrant it being a vote thrown out and wasted by the voter.

I agree though,if the returning officer included this one,.that's his or her right.
To me however and I think as to the rules of voting, it's wrong.

Even moreso in a tight contest as this one appears to have been.

[Livia]

Hmm I don't know Livia.

I know when I've been at a count I've noticed votes that hadn't a cross.
Which were discounted.

There was a ballot paper too where a cross was more in the Conservative candidates box, with a smaller part of the cross in the box below him.
It was discounted.

As you point out it will depend on the returning officer.

Personally, I wouldn't accept a single ballot paper that had more than a cross on it.

It's simple enough to do, just put even the smallest or largest cross beside a candidates name.
Anything else should warrant it being a vote thrown out and wasted by the voter.

I agree though,if the returning officer included this one,.that's his or her right.
To me however and I think as to the rules of voting, it's wrong.

Even moreso in a tight contest as this one appears to have been.

Well, that's more than one mark on the paper. The penis that was drawn on the paper I was talking about was a single mark, next to the Conservative candidate and I argued it was a clear vote, no other mark existed anywhere so the intention must have been there. You know what it's like when you're scrabbling around for every vote, and it's reeeeeally tight... you'll fight for every vote you can.

I have to say I've met returning officers I wouldn't have tried that on though.

[joeysteele]

Well, that's more than one mark on the paper. The penis that was drawn on the paper I was talking about was a single mark, next to the Conservative candidate and I argued it was a clear vote, no other mark existed anywhere so the intention must have been there. You know what it's like when you're scrabbling around for every vote, and it's reeeeeally tight... you'll fight for every vote you can.

I have to say I've met returning officers I wouldn't have tried that on though.


I love going to counts.

I doubt I'd argue with you if you were battling for a ballot paper to still stand.:joker:

Some people find being at a count tedious but I love it.