Where are political canvassers allowed or not allowed?

[Tennisnet]

I live in a large block of flats and I'm a bit annoyed to see a group with our local MP walking up and down the corridor. It's difficult to keep strangers out of this building because there are so many people constantly coming in and out. Tenants, visitors, couriers, contractors etc. So anyone can come in behind them.

Also our polling station is at a nearby block of flats that has a community room. Does this mean they're not allowed to go canvassing at the flats in that block?

And I will admit I was mainly annoyed because it was a party whose activities I'm very annoyed with so I definitely won't be voting for them.

Also there's apparently quite long queues today. Are people in the queue allowed to have political discussions? I hope not as I just want to go and vote calmly without anyone making me feel stressed.

I don't think it's possible to restrict what voters talk about.

I've never overheard loud political discussions though.

I try and pick a fairly quiet time.

We’ve had this chat in my building because obviously no one wants to buzz people in unless they’re specifically for a flat, or working in the common area.

But the management company said something about canvassers should have access in law, or something. Obviously someone has to agree to buzz them in though. We’ve been ignoring our buzzers mostly. If we’re expecting something or someone, nowadays we’ll know in advance.

The thing is that any passer by can get in quite easily without ringing any flat, just by waiting for someone else to come in or out.

OP

Yes, we’re quite big on saying “who ARE you” in a Caterpillar voice. But generally yes, it’s an issue in flats. If someone has let them in via whatever method, it’s a building issue. I’ll close the door behind me if someone’s trying to come in.

Anyway, once they'd left, I noticed they'd put leaflets under the doors of everyone else on my corridor. Several of the leaflets were still sticking out, so I might just have removed them all and put them in my recycling box

If you don't want to talk to them just say so. It's not difficult.

I've been to vote and there was nobody at all there. If you're worried about it being too busy just go late.

For the queue, put in earphones

Extra points, sing Kesha Bla Bla Bla very loudly.

Though if no one is trying to chat, it’s a bit pointless.

They are not allowed to canvass in the block with the community room. You are not allowed within a specified area of the polling station with leaflets etc. (Used to be 200 yards, but don't know what it is now).

Oh it’s Blah with an h
I dunno why I thought she missed it out!

Legally they are allowed to enter flats and canvas by knocking on doors. It's actually illegal to remove the leaflets from other peoples doors, I don't know the specific legal definition but I know when I used to canvass we were not allowed to remove leaflets from other parties, technically it's theft.

Also they are not allowed to obstruct you getting into the polling station and are not allowed to enter the polling station (unless they are voting).

Can we play the guessing game of the political party and who you're going to vote for??

The thing is that any passer by can get in quite easily without ringing any flat, just by waiting for someone else to come in or out.

That can happen in any block, it's got nothing to do with the canvassers.

I don't think it's possible to restrict what voters talk about.

Political discussion shouldn't happen inside the polling station. Anything that looks like campaigning isn't allowed, and people talking to strangers in the queue could come under that heading. A member of staff can ask for it to stop, even ask the person to leave if they persist. Outside I think is legally ok.