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.

Labour will be smashed whenever the election is held.

Anyone making predictions is pretty bold. The polls say very varying things and apparently voters are more flighty than ever, which is interesting given the swing towards the two major parties in 2017. We're getting into crystal ball territory.

You absolutely do not need a crystal ball.

😂 really?

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

Our school was being used as a polling station and it really used to piss us off, especially given that it is next door to a church which could be used.
The faff the school went through to get it changed was huge.

Jc is the most unpopular opposition leader of all time.

We have a single-issue problem. The question is "what the fuck do we do about this Brexit shambles"

The question is not "is a Labour Government better than a Conservative Government."

That can follow after the proximate disaster has been resolved.

JC is the most unpopular opposition leader of all time.

That’s what May was banking on for a landslide in 2017. We’re definitely in crystal ball territory now.

Our school was being used as a polling station and it really used to piss us off, especially given that it is next door to a church which could be used.
The faff the school went through to get it changed was huge.

Some churches charge an absolute fortune to be used.

Actually as the mum of a child usually at the back as third sheep or whatever - I’d still quite like to go see my child deliver her one word in the Christmas play to be fair... because she’s come a long long way from the child who couldn’t speak at all and it matters to her, so it blooming well matters to me.

I know it’s the done thing on MN to sneer at school plays if you don’t have a Mary or Joseph - and to bitch about those who do - but seriously!

Corbyn's unpopularity hasn't stopped Labour being ahead in some polls. It may be the thing that has prevented them from being ahead in others. Added to that the increasing possibility of tactical voting and the Brexit situation being totally in flux and yep, it's currently a Mystic Meg job.

There are many good reasons to be very wary of a December election, most of which have been mentioned, but "it would disrupt the Christmas play" has got to be the least important of all.

Although I did need the laugh, so thanks for that.

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

Thats a fucking huge leap...unless you know the OP from previous posts in which case apologies

2017 was peak Corbyn.

Things are different now.

Oh dear has DD finally snagged the part of Mary this year......

@smilethoyourheartisbreaking

Its actually logical when you extend the scenario. It's very easy as an engaged person to say you know you will vote.

Think about those in sink estates who don't venture out in the dark due to the risks. Christ some people live such narrow lives.

Yeah, because in winter, sink estates are in total darkness for a full 2 months!!! Not even a single second of sunlight. 24/7 of total darkness - all through December, January

And having lived on a sink estate for some years, then 15 minutes walk from one for a few years, I can assure you 'living on a sink estate' will NOT stop people voting in December. Like being 'old' won't stop them either!

Seriously, I can't believe some of the nonsensical comments coming out of the mouths of some posters.

@RaspberryBubblegum

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.

I would say any young parent who won't do a 10-15 minute walk in the rain to vote... (WITH THEIR CHILDREN- WON'T SOMEBODY THINK OF THE CHILDREN?!) does not deserve to vote! They are clearly incompetent and should not be allowed to make any important decisions!

@ChardonnaysDistantCousin

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.

More than a bit! I can't believe some of the gems some people are coming out with! I don't know how they function day to day, let alone, survive winter!

anybody can apply for a postal vote. young or old, rich or poor, working, student, disabled, parenting, whatever.

There is no charge for it.

Kay Burley was saying on the radio this morning that Labour voting turnout is specifically worse in poor weather, so Labour won't all an election to go through for December - so presumably there are some stats on these figures?

2017 was peak Corbyn

In 2017 Corbyn was behind May in the polls as well and constantly slated by the media on all sides. They were stunned by how well he did and I think the same could happen again

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

Obviously the school Christmas play is not a massive issue.

As I said in my OP

" 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."

It is a crappy time of the year to have an election. Everyone is in the Christmas spirit, joy and goodwill to all, schools getting ready for Christmas, people in the Christmas mood - and then polling for an election. In deepest winter, When it's dark in the evening, weather will be dodgy - all not conducive to an election campaign.

And then there are the venues - as people have pointed out, people will have arranged time off to see their children on school plays. If the school has to rearrange a school play because they have to close, that's a bit hard for the parents if they can't make it. Christmas time in schools can be busy.

Same for getting venues - the person who helps organise the election commission to run elections was on the Today programme this morning explaining the hassles of getting a venue at this time of year - bearing in mind that many are booked up for Christmas functions. Cancelling the pensioner's Christmas party in the village hall for an election - and not being able to rearrange it may not be a popular move.

So no - the Christmas plays being affected is not a big thing. It's not the most important thing. But it is just something affected by trying to have an election just before Christmas.

If you were to do a list of all the issues about having an election at short notice before Christmas, it would be one of the issues. Along with many other issues.

I dont think people are being precious

They are coming up with reasons why having a December election is a pain in the arse

I dont think anyone has said that they Personally wont be voted because of age or rain, or nativity or darkness etc

Just that they think that it might have an effect on the turnout

I dont care either way...i am gonna win the bet and lavendar is going doooowwwwnnn

They are coming up with reasons why having a December election is a pain in the arse

Maybe that should have been my OP instead

All OPs should have the word ‘arse’ in

The fact that a GE still boils down to labour vs tories even in the current disastrous political climate, is probably why voter turnout is generally low at any time of year.

Our school was being used as a polling station and it really used to piss us off, especially given that it is next door to a church which could be used.
Churches aren't always that suitable - lots of village churches don't have proper disabled access, toilets, heating etc.