BBC news really have reached a new level of dumbing down today.

[TheWaiting]

Switched on News 24. Reporter outside polling station has just explain that you put a cross next to the name of your preferred candidate and if they get the most votes they become an M.P and represent you in Parliament. 🤨 We then go back to Christian Fraser in the studio who proceeds with a segment titled, ‘How to vote’ 🙄🙄🙄
I honestly thought they were running a Newsround episode.

There are people out there who have never voted and feel intimidated by it.

And because it's voting day, they are not allowed to discuss anything political. Which is why BBC breakfast was all about hedgehogs and giving some old guy a christmas ttree.

I spoke to someone today who she was going to vote but didn’t know how or who for, it was all too confusing. Then asked what a Conservative was. Then asked what party Boris Johnson was.
Frankly if it helps people understand, I’m all for it. But I’m shocked there are so many people out there so clueless about it all.

If someone has never voted before it may of been beneficial to them. Some people do worry about looking silly if they don’t know what to do etc

Not really sure what your issue is, it’s not like the bbc were drowning newborns. Still it’s something for you to whinge about I guess 🤷🏻‍♀️

Isn't this taught in schools anymore?

We used to have 'mock elections' at school to teach us the principles of voting. Labour always won (Thatcher era and school was in a Tory safe seat - we were rebelling against the system!).

On a group I’m on on Facebook, on the day of the general election a 20-something woman posted asking what the vote was actually for. When we explained it to her, she then asked who she should vote for. It was quite eye opening that she’d reached the day of the general election knowing nothing about it. If it helps people, great!

The last general election I mean, not today!

I loved the hedgehogs and the old chap getting a Christmas tree. I cried at that!

Wish we could have hedgehogs and Christmas trees every day. It was so lovely not the have bloody politics.

I saw someone earlier say that when she went to vote there was a confused woman asking why Boris Johnson’s name wasn’t on her ballot paper.

Well, you've answered your own question OP!

Isn't this taught in schools anymore?

Kids' junior school had a referendum over something recently complete with voting booths, ballot papers and a returning officer.

Because the young, first time voters have been galvanised to vote (apparently) there may a whole host of newbies who have no idea how to do it. I thought it was a news segment I could have done with when I was 18. I asked the lady at the desk to talk me through it... not everyone will have the courage for that!

But surely those people who really don’t have a clue aren’t watching News 24. Either they don’t have a clue and they’re apathetic or they want to understand more in which case Google is their friend.

I've had a postal vote for the last few elections so I genuinely couldn't remember whether I was supposed to bring ID or what the procedure was. First time voter DSD was amazed that you didn't even have to show a polling card. 'So anyone could turn up and pretend to be me?' she asked, slightly stunned that democracy was being held in the hands of three beady-eyed parish councillor types. I pointed out that in a Midsomer-like village like ours, they'd probably weed out any electoral malpractice soon enough just by asking Barbara at the post office.

That sounds great, Kuponut.

Because they dont teach you this stuff at school so some people dont know.

@yellowallpaper
Can I ask a stupid question about hedgehogs?
I have nominated you to be a hedgehog expert.
Don’t they all have fleas? It was that what my mum told me to stop me picking them up?
We used to have election practice at school too.

Broadcasters are not allowed to report anything political or interview anyone political while the polls are open.

Add to that a generally quiet news day, as always seems to be the case on election days, and they are struggling to fill airtime until 10pm.

I’m sure the broadcasters would be delighted if some household name celebrity chose today to drop dead

I don't think we ever did anything in school. I knew but didn't know what to do iyswim the first time I voted, when I was at university. I definitely think it can be scary or intimidating.

I think it's a reasonable public service to explain today.

We have different systems for the local council, general and Scottish elections, plus European - some are cross, some are number in order of preference.

Then, of course, there were the two referenda which were worded differently (yes/no for Scottish, remain/leave for EU).

Don’t be such a snob - some people have never voted before you know? Best to teach them how to do it correctly and what’s happening than not.

the young, first time voters have been galvanised to vote

That amazes me. I remember as a child waiting outside the polling station while my mum voted and longing to be old enough to vote. The mystique of going into the secret booth was entrancing.

I first voted when I was 18 and was lucky- my parents had been taking me along for years so I knew the basics. Not everybody is that fortunate, or feels confident enough to ask for help.

Google is no ones friend! 🤦‍♀️

I’m actually amazed to hear that so many young people reach adulthood without an understanding of this. I remember talking about it all long before I could vote and my teenagers (16&14) are very excited about staying up tonight. But yeah, maybe IABU. It just seemed so ridiculously basic.