In my situation how would you vote?

[BishopBrennansArse]

Because I'm completely and utterly torn.

I'll try to do this without party colours to try to get some objectivity.

I live in an incredibly safe seat (over 10k majority in 2010 and held by this particular party since 1880). Present MP is standing down at the Election and an unknown in his place.

I absolutely cannot bring myself to vote for him due to how I feel about the party in general on a national level. There are another 7 candidates standing in my constituency. Three of those only got votes into the hundreds in 2010 and knowing the demographic where I live I expect it to be similar this time. Another two are complete newbies and independent.

The remaining two - the candidate I really relate to and would really like to be my MP only got a few thousand votes last time - less than 10% of votes cast. The remaining candidate got over 30% of the votes cast but still over 10k fewer votes overall. On a national level I'm not as keen on their policies as my first choice but I prefer it over the party currently holding the seat.

So what would you do? Vote for the party you really want to vote for - with the little hope of them getting in, or vote for the party that's the least worst even though they probably won't get in but are a little bit more of a threat?

I would vote tactically, even if that meant, for me, voting Conservative to keep UKIP out. (I'm a Labour voter so wouldn't normally vote Conservative.)

Since your second choice "won't probably get in", then I would vote for the first choice to at least register that that is what you would prefer.

Hmm looks like I'll have to. I'm not happy about it but the party I want doesn't stand a snowballs.

But holding onto a seat since 1880 - wtf?

Not sure though Claig, I know it's a very safe seat but being as this guy is an unknown.... oh I dunno.

BISHOP If what you describe is your most serious problem in life, you are very lucky. Sit back and enjoy the freedom to vote as you like....or not as the case might be.

The only election I know which was decided by one vote was a council election with a few hundred voters.

But in a general election, a long time ago, I believe Peterborough had six or more recounts. (Must have been close)

It's not my most serious problem in life, no.
But I do take my vote very seriously. Particularly as coalition policies have been harmful to my family.