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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

An idiots guide to voting.

70 replies

morethanpotatoprints · 06/05/2015 18:19

just wondered if those amongst us who are in the know could answer questions for us who don't.
A bit like Question time.

So we post a question and get a response. Is this a reasonable suggestion?

I can start with a question.

I live in a safe Labour area. I am stuck between Labour and Green but don't really particularly agree with either whole heartedly.
Should I just spoil my paper?

OP posts:
Miltonmaid · 06/05/2015 18:22

Personally, I wouldn't spoil a ballot paper. No one takes any notice of spoiled ballots, I mean the number is recorded but nothing happens. Vote for the one you most agree with, it's unusual to agree 100%. How safe is safe though? What would you think if Labour didn't win that seat?

Original poster
morethanpotatoprints · 06/05/2015 18:25

A good question. I'm not too sure tbh, its always been labour round here.
It's a deprived Northern town. Conservative don't get a sniff, but I suppose it could change.
I will have to rethink the policies now. Thank you Thanks

I hope others have questions, or this is a dead thread. Grin

OP posts:
FishWithABicycle · 06/05/2015 18:34

Unfortunately you can't tell the difference between people in the know, ardent supporters of specific parties, and raving loonies on these threads.

I'm in a similar situation. Labour will get in no matter what. I feel my vote will still just about matter as it will contribute to what message the labour party receives for how it will develop. If I vote labour they will hear "carry on just as you are" if I vote Green they will hear "be a bit greener" and if I vote tory they will hear "be a bit more capitalist - go on, grind the poor down a bit harder". TBH I'm undecided but I won't spoil my ballot.

Goldmandra · 06/05/2015 18:34

How do you find out the voting figures for your constituency?

If your priority is to make sure a Tory doesn't keep their seat in your constituency but you don't know who their greatest competition is, how do you find out so you can use your vote to the best effect?

Original poster
morethanpotatoprints · 06/05/2015 18:36

Gold

fantastic question, hope somebody can help.
I wondered this too.

OP posts:
TheObligatoryNotQuiteSoNewGirl · 06/05/2015 18:36

Oooh I'll join! I know who I'm going to vote for, but, as a first time voter, I have no idea what'll happen tomorrow - could someone talk me through the actual voting process?

Also, I've read that minors are allowed in the polling station, so my DBro who's not 18 for another six weeks wants to come along to see what it's like. How far will he be allowed - just into the polling station to wait whilst I vote, or what?

Also, also, I know it varies from polling station to polling station, but what times of day are usually busiest/quietest? I've got three possible times I could go tomorrow - around 7:30 before I go to work, somewhere between 3:30 and 5:30 (depending on when I finish work), or after 8 - which would you recommend?

Miltonmaid · 06/05/2015 18:36

I always think people should vote for the party they want to see in government. I'm not a fan of tactical voting but I do think that if you vote for one of the smaller parties ie green then you need to weigh up what it would mean for you if the party you really didn't want won the seat as that's the reality of the voting system we have. I would always check exactly how safe the seat is, I've heard people say it's a safe seat but then look up the numbers and see it's only 3000 majority or something like that. It only takes a rainy day for turnout to be very low and even more so in seats that people think are safe.

MaidOfStars · 06/05/2015 18:36

Gold - my constituency data is on Wikipedia.

Mumzy · 06/05/2015 18:37

Why don't find out using this should i vote for quiz I got a very surprising answer

MaidOfStars · 06/05/2015 18:38

(unless you mean 'as of yesterday' doorstep figures, in which case, they won't be anywhere)

BeansInBoots · 06/05/2015 18:39

Can anyone explain the actual process of voting? I was too young to vote last time and I'm a bit nervous about what happens.. I'm also going to have to take my 2yo and 9mo.. Is that okay?

Goldmandra · 06/05/2015 18:40

I can't make that link work Mumzy.

Will look on Wikipedia Smile

AuntieStella · 06/05/2015 18:40

BBC article on what you are and are not allowed to do in a polling station

Your DBro (or any other minor) can accompany you, but must not enter the actual voting booth, to preserve the secrecy of the ballot. You mustn't discuss your vote whilst in the polling station itself (but you can tell him all about it, if you want to, once outside).

Snowflake15 · 06/05/2015 18:41

I need help! I'm a first time voter and got a letter saying I'd registered but haven't received my poll card (is that what it's called!?) the letter that says my number and which polling station I should go to. Can I still vote without it?

MaidOfStars · 06/05/2015 18:42

You go into a hall of some kind and present at the row of desks. Tell them your name/address. They will check on a list that you are registered to vote. Someone will give you a ballot paper. You take that to a little private booth/area and use the provided pen to mark your cross. Fold your paper in half, walk back to the desks where the ballot box usually is and post it through.

meditrina · 06/05/2015 18:43

"I'm also going to have to take my 2yo and 9mo.. Is that okay?"

Yes it's absolutely fine. In theory, they're meant to stay outside the actual booth, but I've found that a blind eye is turned to very small children.

MaidOfStars · 06/05/2015 18:44

Snowflake, you don't need your polling card to vote. I would go along to the place on the letter and ask them to check their list. If you're on it, fab. If not, there's nothing you can do.

Yarp · 06/05/2015 18:46

paddle

Thanks!

It's as I thought

BikketBikketBikket · 06/05/2015 18:49

You don't need your poll card. It's surprising how many people don't realise this... I've worked on a lot of elections as a Presiding Officer, and as long as you're on the electoral roll, you can vote.
The Obligatory - vote early; in the afternoon you'll coincide with people combining voting with the school run, and after about 7 in the evening it gets manic. You are entitled to vote if you have a ballot paper by 10.00pm, but not if you're just in the queue - and an awful lot of people go after they've had their evening meal Shock

MrsLovell · 06/05/2015 18:49

Snowflake, you can absolutely vote without physically having your poll card with you, but I would consider taking the letter with you. When you get there there will be a person or people behind a desk who will have a list of all registered voters and will check you off before giving you your ballot paper. Seems odd you havn't got your card though, have other members of your household or neighbours got them?

BeansInBoots · 06/05/2015 18:51

If they want 2yo dd outside of my booth then I can gaurentee she would be in everyone else's!!

PositiveAttitude · 06/05/2015 18:51

Paddle thanks for that link. Here is supposed to be a safe tory seat. I really don't think it is!

I have not heard of any of the leaders of any parties coming over here (island) to encourage votes. I am disappointed that not one person has knocked on my door to see how I am going to vote.
I will be voting because I think it is important to, but I am still unsure whether to go with who I believe in, but who doesnt have a chance really, or for the one who has a chance of keeping the tory guy out.

Yarp · 06/05/2015 18:51

My dad was a Councillor, and I used to go with him to canvass as a child. I found voting day really exciting. I regret having a postal vote really.

JemFinch · 06/05/2015 18:51

Do you to bring ID or do they just take it on face value that you are who you say you are?