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Original poster

AIBU to resent tory party representative standing outside polling station asking for polling number?

152 replies

ITVX · 04/07/2024 16:39

I don't think it should be allowed. I first thought she might be part of the management team for the polling station as I didn't see her badge identifying her as a member of the Tory party. I realised that it would be unlikely that they would ask your polling number outside the building. I asked why she wanted to know. She replied that it was so we didn't get phoned later. I said that I thought that voting was meant to be confidential, after which she ignored me!

OP posts:
Dahliasrule · 04/07/2024 16:51

A teller is outside to take your number. It is then sent back to party HQ and it means you won’t have a knock on your door by party members to ask if you had voted yet, would like a lift to a polling station etc. it is done by all parties to make sure they get their voters out. E.g if when being canvassed before the election you said you were voting for that party.

The only issue might be if that had identifying rosettes etc. on within a certain distance of the polling station because that is not allowed. (I can’t remember the actual distance).

MrsLeonFarrell · 04/07/2024 16:50

There have been tellers outside every polling station I have used. I don't usually have my card so it's moot but they are a normal part of the process. The one today was from the party trying to take the seat so I'm hoping it is a sign!

tinytemper66 · 04/07/2024 16:49

I have never had anyone at any of mine and I have moved a few times and in each one I have never been asked or seen anyone outside.

OrwellianTimes · 04/07/2024 16:49

Nightblindness · 04/07/2024 16:47

I'm old too. I remember going to my first election and my dad telling me not to tell the people outside anything. I didn't then and I never have. I can't say they have been there at every election I have taken part in (there was no one there today for instance) but they are a very regular sight as far as I am concerned.

I don't know if maybe they target marginal constituencies? Maybe that is why you haven't come across one.

Show quote history

The only time I’ve met one was when I lived in the bluest of blue seats - the teller was Lib Dem and incredibly rude when I wouldn’t give her my number. She was also inside the building which I thought wasn’t allowed.

EnjoyingTheSilence · 04/07/2024 16:49

Ooh I’ve never seen that before

Justspeculating45 · 04/07/2024 16:49

They're legally allowed to ask and you're legally allowed to decline.

RichardMarxisinnocent · 04/07/2024 16:49

BrioNotBiro · 04/07/2024 16:42

Have you never come across tellers before?

I haven't, and I've been voting since the early 1990s in various parts of the country. I am off to google what they are.

Jutemat · 04/07/2024 16:49

What do they ask? Who you voted for?

Prawncow · 04/07/2024 16:48

I never give my number. They want to know who actually votes so they can better target their future campaigning.

TwattyMcFuckFace · 04/07/2024 16:48

"No thanks"

And breeze past, like a lot of us do.

Nightblindness · 04/07/2024 16:47

gamerchick · 04/07/2024 16:45

I've never, ever seen anyone standing outside the polling station and I'm old.

Show quote history

I'm old too. I remember going to my first election and my dad telling me not to tell the people outside anything. I didn't then and I never have. I can't say they have been there at every election I have taken part in (there was no one there today for instance) but they are a very regular sight as far as I am concerned.

I don't know if maybe they target marginal constituencies? Maybe that is why you haven't come across one.

ElleneAsanto · 04/07/2024 16:47

It’s not just Tories.

Edited to add - I’ve never seen one, and if I did I’d just ignore them.

Do I have to give my details to 'tellers' outside the polling station?
Sometimes "tellers" stand outside the polling station and ask voters for the number on their polling card.
They are volunteers who work for candidates. They use the information to check who has voted, so they can remind people who have not yet done so.
They are allowed to ask for your polling card number, but you do not have to give it to them.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/explainers-56849080

maximist · 04/07/2024 16:46

I've just been down to vote and there was no one at all outside. I'm hoping it's because they think the result is a foregone conclusion and we'll get rid of the dreadful Jake Berry.

FOJN · 04/07/2024 16:45

I ignore them. Saw one for the Lib Dems not taking no for an answer today which I thought was out of order but it did allow me to slip past without being asked for my polling card.

gamerchick · 04/07/2024 16:45

Nightblindness · 04/07/2024 16:43

Is this your first election? There are people like that, from every major party, outside polling stations every election. I never give them the time of day either as I prefer my anonymity but it is hardly a Tory party thing.

I've never, ever seen anyone standing outside the polling station and I'm old.

Hopebridge · 04/07/2024 16:44

This reply has been withdrawn

This message has been withdrawn at the poster's request

NinaPersson · 04/07/2024 16:44

I’ve never heard of a teller what is their purpose?

HuongVuong3 · 04/07/2024 16:43

I just ignore them.

Although one year my Mum complained when the Conservative teller was actually in the polling station rather than outside.

CurlewKate · 04/07/2024 16:43

Oops-tried to post details! Failed.

Nightblindness · 04/07/2024 16:43

Is this your first election? There are people like that, from every major party, outside polling stations every election. I never give them the time of day either as I prefer my anonymity but it is hardly a Tory party thing.

CurlewKate · 04/07/2024 16:43



CurlewKate · 04/07/2024 16:42

She's a teller.
"

BrioNotBiro · 04/07/2024 16:42

Have you never come across tellers before?

Jegersur · 04/07/2024 16:42

I thought it was quite normal. They’re not asking how you voted.

HowIrresponsible · 04/07/2024 16:41

I voted tory and the Labour teller took my number. No issue.

Grow up ffs