to think that an election on the 12th December is a bad idea because it will affect Christmas at primary schools?

[chomalungma]

How many Christmas plays will be on on that day?

I am sure some will be able to be altered - but it's a really crappy time to close a school for voting when there are parties, school plays and the end of term atmosphere.

There are other reasons as well - but this is just one that may not have been thought about.

I live very rurally in a very aged village. They will be there in droves!!

ChardonnaysDistantCousin because if it's chucking it down with rain all day and the polling station is a 10-15 minute walk away people won't go? Especially if it also means dragging your young kids out in the rain with you.

This is possibly the most ridiculous post I have ever read in 14 years on Mumsnet.

Good old Mumsnet, it doesn't let you down.

Doesn't seem to stop some people going to Lidl on Christmas Eve no, just as an election on 12th December won't stop some people voting. As nobody thinks turnout will be zero, it's not immediately obvious why mentioning a thing that some people do on Christmas Eve in a location of their choosing is comparable.

See you there lavendar! @ me if I forget!

Wait...you mean some people CHOOSE to go to lidl on Christmas Eve

Also my polling station is in a pub! It's a shame I'm going to have to arrange a proxy as after a full day of training plus travel back from another city I shall be in need of a drink. But can't risk getting back too late if there's any transport issues.

ChardonnaysDistantCousin because if it's chucking it down with rain all day and the polling station is a 10-15 minute walk away people won't go? Especially if it also means dragging your young kids out in the rain with you.

It’s been chucking it down must of October, people manage to go about their lives, with or without cars.

I think some posters are a bit precious.

Yep, presumably you will manage to do your shopping in December, come hell or high water, but only people with cars will manage to vote?

No.

And, once again, I think having an election is the stupidest or stupid ideas and I have no idea who I will be voting for.

Well, I don’t think there will be an election because labour won’t vote/agree to one.

But I do think that when there is one the turnout will be low and Johnson will win because there isn’t a credible leader among the lot of them, and people are totally disillusioned with politics.

this thread has made my day

I do think it hasn't been thought through properly, actually. What happens if we have a repeat of the 'beast from the east' of 2 years ago and we're all snowbound on the 12th? Our country comes to a standstill when we have a big snowfall.

I wouldn't worry about nativity plays. With 2 DDs of 10 and 7, I've sat through too many already.

I’m really hoping this is made up

I suspect the OP knows Labour would be smashed in a December election, and so is not too keen for that reason...

Christmas plays I agree, no brainer!

@HeyMissyYouSoFine if you read that guidance down it's clear it only applies to local authority schools not academies or free schools - round here there are no schools that haven't converted.

Labour would no more be smashed in December than in any other month.

I know its more important than christmas but in one term earlier this year my DS school closed 3 times for elections. Its a pain for most working parents and the school don't particularly want to be the polling station either but thet asked the LA (or whoever is in charge of polling stations ) and allegedly there is no other suitable venue in the area despite the fact that parents could offer several community type buildings that are not used for as many hours as the school and have carparking onsite The school loses money from any evening bookings too.

Some posters are a bit precious, but some people are a bit precious. Precious people still get the right to vote. As do people who could get to a polling station but don't because they're engaging in one of the more numerous than usual distractions available in December. And if enough of them don't vote due to being precious or going shopping, as well as for reasons that pass the MN jury acceptableness test, we've got a problem.

I've not RTFT but schools can refuse to host the polling station or offer a compromise such as a letting the council put a temporary polling station in the staff carpark for the day instead of it impacting the whole school. None of the schools in my area are polling stations any more though.

I've not RTFT but schools can refuse to host the polling station or offer a compromise such as a letting the council put a temporary polling station in the staff carpark for the day instead of it impacting the whole school. None of the schools in my area are polling stations any more though.

Local authority controlled schools can only request to refuse. They can't insist.

It's one of the reasons why there are more schools used in Scotland, for example, because there are no academies and free schools.

I'm more bloody concerned about having to ask for more time off work. DS's school is where the polling station is and it's already been closed twice this year for local elections.

There are several community centre type buildings and pubs in the area that could be used instead but nope, has to be the school.