Just in tiers with it all now ....

[dancemom]

New Thread, same old situation....

[StarryEyeSurprise]

@OldRailer

Just how does major community mixing down at the polling station fit in here?

I assume it'll be like when picking up / returning shopping. You don't go inside.

[rookiemere]

@Rae36 if you read the rules, just make sure you have a reason from the approved list in the very rare event you are stopped. The only cases I know where people have got fines, they parked in council car parks. We visited my DPs a few times during last lockdown Edinburgh-Perth and the M&S gluten free goodies they like were rechristened as vital supplies.

[WouldBeGood]

My child needs to be in school. No propaganda will help him,

[OldRailer]

I wouldn't assume that Starry or have you heard it's the case. Voting has very strict protocols.🤷

[NearWildHeaven]

Thank you @AudacityOfHope for all the info on the panel. It's all very interesting.

I was intrigued about the selection process because you mentioned something through the door and I don't recall anything. If I read it right from the 2011 census they selected 1500 people who got invitations that went out. From this 350 responded which they whittled down to 20 (19 in the end).

There is no sense of how random (or otherwise) they chose the initial population. Absolutely fine for a random focus group on yogurt. But more important if you're going to point to this as "the voice of the broad population"

Maybe I've read it wrong. Maybe I'm a cynic

Super interesting nevertheless. You must have been glad to be part of something like that.

[StarryEyeSurprise]

No I don't know that for sure, just thought it makes sense. A window for checking who you are then move along and vote. Could be wrong but that's what I'd do. I was just reading UK protocols might be that photo ID is shown.

[OldRailer]

Keeping everyone outside would seem a good idea!

[sweethomepa]

Has anyone else had communication from their LA stating that small schools with a roll of 25 or under, where P1-7 are in one composite class can all return from 22nd Feb. This is part of the phased return to school across the whole of Scotland. Unfortunately my children attend a larger school, and can't return despite living in a level 3 area with few cases since March last year!

[NotAnActualSheep]

I thought in the UK it wasn't allowed to ask for ID to vote. That would surely disenfranchise lots who may not have a driving licence or passport. Just thinking about the places I've had to vote in the past. In a couple there would have been space outside to put up some gazebo type things (though not sure what would happen if someone's completed ballot got blown away in a freak gust of wind... loses some of the secrecy then if anyone else retrieved it) but the vast majority haven't had any outdoor space sufficient to be able to maintain distancing and have the required number of booths. Or any suitable windows, so the polling officers would be outside all day to register people. Plus I know queuing to get into a polling place is a bit of a cliche, but I've never had to do it, and not sure I'd be that keen (neither would my parents who have difficulty standing and so on) . Not sure Al fresco voting will be a Thing, really.

[fluffyugg]

@sweethomepa yes, that is the case with very small schools - single class all can go back.

[Lockdownbear]

There can't be many schools with less than 25 kids in the school.

[StarryEyeSurprise]

@NotAnActualSheep

I thought in the UK it wasn't allowed to ask for ID to vote. That would surely disenfranchise lots who may not have a driving licence or passport. Just thinking about the places I've had to vote in the past. In a couple there would have been space outside to put up some gazebo type things (though not sure what would happen if someone's completed ballot got blown away in a freak gust of wind... loses some of the secrecy then if anyone else retrieved it) but the vast majority haven't had any outdoor space sufficient to be able to maintain distancing and have the required number of booths. Or any suitable windows, so the polling officers would be outside all day to register people. Plus I know queuing to get into a polling place is a bit of a cliche, but I've never had to do it, and not sure I'd be that keen (neither would my parents who have difficulty standing and so on) . Not sure Al fresco voting will be a Thing, really.

I don't mean fully outside. Like when you go to Next and they have a booth at the door.

[sweethomepa]

There are plenty of schools with under 25 pupils in rural area

[StarryEyeSurprise]

@Lockdownbear

There can't be many schools with less than 25 kids in the school.

A tiny amount. UfT are having a fit about discrimination over it. 🙄

[AudacityOfHope]

@NearWildHeaven

Thank you *@AudacityOfHope* for all the info on the panel. It's all very interesting.

I was intrigued about the selection process because you mentioned something through the door and I don't recall anything. If I read it right from the 2011 census they selected 1500 people who got invitations that went out. From this 350 responded which they whittled down to 20 (19 in the end).

There is no sense of how random (or otherwise) they chose the initial population. Absolutely fine for a random focus group on yogurt. But more important if you're going to point to this as "the voice of the broad population"

Maybe I've read it wrong. Maybe I'm a cynic

Super interesting nevertheless. You must have been glad to be part of something like that.

The invitation came from The Sortition Foundation, you could have a look at their website if you're interested to find out more I guess. I think they're a non-profit which does this kind of stuff.

[blowinahoolie]

Will certainly be an eye opener when we go to cast our votes as to how it will be organised.

[NotAnActualSheep]

I don't mean fully outside. Like when you go to Next and they have a booth at the door.
Ah, sorry, I misunderstood. I've never seen a next booth. You must have a more exciting life than me

[BBCONEANDTWO]

Is NS closing the border to England - are we not going to be able to travel to England this year at all. I'm gutted.

[OldRailer]

I've not seen a Next booth but was too embarrassed to be the first to admit it..

[OldRailer]

When I find a high street again I don't know if I'll cope!

[blowinahoolie]

@OldRailer

I've not seen a Next booth but was too embarrassed to be the first to admit it..

😂 same here.

[blowinahoolie]

@BBCONEANDTWO

Is NS closing the border to England - are we not going to be able to travel to England this year at all. I'm gutted.

When was this announced??

[NearWildHeaven]

Thanks @AudacityOfHope

I think it's interesting. Honestly if I'd been invited I'd have stuck my hand up. That's why I was reading more. Not suggesting anything more than possibly a slight envy at the opportunity

[NotAnActualSheep]

@OldRailer

I've not seen a Next booth but was too embarrassed to be the first to admit it..

Ah shite. Have I unwittingly admitted to something not socially acceptable? Like owning a toilet brush or only washing towels weekly or something.

[OldRailer]

Not at all, I just am so behind the times you wouldn't believe it!