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AIBU?

To think canvassers are wasting their time knocking on doors in very safe seats for their party

11 replies

CeCeBloomer · 20/05/2017 21:33

Bearing in mind resources are limited, surely their time would be better spent in marginal areas rather than knocking on doors in areas that are v safe seats. Where I live is a very safe labour seat and they were knocking on my door the other day - seems like a waste of time and effort, I am totally prepared to be told IABU

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Imbroglio · 20/05/2017 21:34

I'm not sure anything is a certainty this time.

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wickerlampshade · 20/05/2017 21:36

presumably they can usually only do it local to their house - what if the nearest non-safe seat is far away? often the case that safe constituencies cluster together. better in a safe seat than not at all.

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bojorojo · 20/05/2017 21:36

They want to get the vote out and introduce the candidate. I don't know why they don't have hustings any more. Would be easier and less effort. I don't expect to see anyone - safe Conservative seat and I am not sure I like being taken for granted!

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bojorojo · 20/05/2017 21:37

Also,Labour know they won't win many marginals!

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CeCeBloomer · 20/05/2017 21:38

Yes I suppose at least they are making the effort, they knocked on and I did just think a) what the point and b) it's the middle of the kids tea time so I can't talk 😀

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FanDabbyFloozy · 20/05/2017 21:39

I get the feeling that tribal policies are out.

People are cross with their MP for a variety if reasons. In my case, my MP votes completely against the constituents in the Brexit vote.

Anything could happen.

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NotYoda · 20/05/2017 21:42

They do it to ensure you are motivated to get out and actually vote, I think

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CormorantDevouringTime · 20/05/2017 21:45

It is a bit weird, normally they'd bus them to the nearest more marginal seat. But maybe there's something more going on? Maybe your local MP isn't quite as safe as their 2015 majority would suggest? Bear in mind that the Lib Dem collapse from that election seems likely to partially reverse, and the UKIP votes will probably return almost entirely to the Tories, a lot of Labour MPs with decent majorities may be looking a bit shaky.

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CormorantDevouringTime · 20/05/2017 21:45

It is a bit weird, normally they'd bus them to the nearest more marginal seat. But maybe there's something more going on? Maybe your local MP isn't quite as safe as their 2015 majority would suggest? Bear in mind that the Lib Dem collapse from that election seems likely to partially reverse, and the UKIP votes will probably return almost entirely to the Tories, a lot of Labour MPs with decent majorities may be looking a bit shaky.

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ScarlettFreestone · 20/05/2017 21:45

They are trying to make sure that their people vote.

A very safe seat is only "safe" until it's not.

Look at the upsets in Scotland at the last general election. Mhairi Black overturned Shadow Foreign Secretary Douglas Alexander's 16,610 majority.

It's only safe if you can keep the voters you have.

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Huldra · 20/05/2017 21:55

They'll be doing both I'm sure.

We're asked if we can go to neighbouring areas where we have more of a chance. I drove 15 miles the other day to help with getting leaflets out quickly. Next week I'll be in my local area doing the same.

Not everyone can give up their time or money to go further afield. People may get home from work and only have an hour or two to volunteer. It's still valuable even if it is a safe seat, I'm in an area that's been Tory for ever and it's highly unlikely we will win the seat. Still we may knock at a door where they already vote for us but decide to become active members. I've had some surprising turn around recently from people who usually vote the other end of the political spectrum.

I suppose part of it is taking the long term view, we're also raising awareness for future national and local elections. If they don't show a pressence people will think we're not an entitiy in that area.

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