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.

Imagine this in the House Of Commons - "no we cant have an election on the 12th because school nativity plays will be disrupted

Lots of parents could be affected if they are involved in the election system. Clash with taking children to the plays etc..

Then there's all the office parties going on.....people going out after work.

It's not the best time of year to have a campaign.

I have a dumb question. We have booked a holiday at that time. Can you still sign up for a postal vote, pre-vote or vote at a British embassy (assuming they call the election)? I'm not eligible to vote but my bf is. He probably knows but is not home yet and I got curious. The voting system is different than what I'm used to.

We are going through the biggest political turmoil in generations and you are worrying about this nonsense

It doesn't affect me.

But there are plenty of practical reasons why Christmas is bad time for an election - despite the political turmoil going on.

People going out after work 😂😂😂 it is ONE day. They can have the nativity another day.

I agree @chomalungma
Cancelling all those other Christmas events either at schools or local community groups is a bit harsh with this little notice. It’s not going to be easy to change calendars or days at this notice. Our school has 2 form intake each year and a small hall so they already have to stagger plays to fit over a couple of weeks and the local community halls are all pre booked with community group events (toddler group parties, pensioner lunches etc).

I think it’s a posturing move like @cardibach says it’s either a means to no deal or a way to make the mess someone else’s: nothing to do with what’s best for the country, which is why I think cancelling all those Christmas community events is just totally crap and mean spirited. There will be no good outcome from a GE. Just a least bad option.

My immediate thought was that the 12th dec could affect students voting patterns depending on when they break up for Christmas. While the OP has had a hard time on this thread, there will be challenges of holding an election in December. Christmas post, people away, parties and people generally just being busier.

I for one would love a general election just to avoid having to sit through bloody nativity play!

Last year I had to book a day off work to watch my youngest just walk around dressed like a camel.

Absolutely user

Weather as well

might do this country some good to get a bit of disruption around retailers

take the focus off the christmas madness for a bit.......bloody brilliant idea actually

My immediate thought was that the 12th dec could affect students voting patterns depending on when they break up for Christmas

There's that as well.

christmas is december 25 th though and not "december'

You just made me spit my tea through my nose... surely you are not that bereft of common sense?

fat

Ds2 was a villager once...ive got masses of photos of him with a face like thunder cos he was so pissed off with me sitting in the front row and taking pictures of him

Good times

Oh no!! What will the schools do?????

Maybe they could, I dunno, have the nativity play on any other date other than 12 December?

I’m 53, my primary school was a polling station when I was there. And it still is now. Lots round here are polling stations.

Imagine the surge in voter turnout if they just combines the two!

The last time they used my DD's school as a polling station they didn't need to close the whole school iirc, as they used the community hub which is easily accessible seperately to the school.

How will we find time to vote when we'll all be baking mince pies and cornflake cakes for the Christmas Fair?
Won't somebody think of the PTA?

My immediate thought was that the 12th dec could affect students voting patterns depending on when they break up for Christmas. While the OP has had a hard time on this thread, there will be challenges of holding an election in December. Christmas post, people away, parties and people generally just being busier.

Plus the weather could be anything from gloriously sunny to snowy

Anyone would think a low turnout would suit folks...

I'm amazed the Tories want it (& tbh maybe they don't ) as it will be a ton harder to mobilise their heartland octogenarian reactionary vote if it's icy out.

My primary used to close to be a polling station. As a kid, I loved it. Day off school! I probably wouldn’t be that bothered about my missing nativity. But I was also a sheep... I think the kids who are upset are probably those have landed the impressive roles of Mary, Joseph, Angel Gabriel and maybe whichever of the three kings speaks. All the other kids are pissed off that they’re a sheep or donkey or worse lobster number 3 I think it’s mainly the parents that will be upset over not seeing their little one be lobster number 3.

I think a general election in December is going to be... different. It’ll make watching TV interesting you’ll have a real mix between the toy adverts, the John Lewis advert and the slanging matches from each political party. Personally, I’ve got my works Christmas do the day after so if the country fucks it up again at least I can get pissed on company money! Can’t do that after many elections!

Rezie yes, you'll be able to get a postal vote.

Doubt Johnson has given it a second's thought, but I read something a while back that suggested an election was practically impossible after about 10 December because of the logistical nightmare of approaching Christmas arrangements, and then it would have to wait till January.