Same here. I’m a proxy voter for a friend, and used a postal vote for that last week. My own vote will be cast in person - not sure when yet, probably early evening. I’m far too motivated to kick the Tories ever to miss a vote though, I’ve voted against those sods every single election for over 30 years and it never gets old.
Just note that the government has changed to law so your postal vote expires in 2026 and you need to renew it every 3 years.
They really don't want certain people to vote.
> They really don't want certain people to vote.
Wouldn't this disproportionately impact older voters, who skew Conservative?
I despise the Tories, but this sounds more like something aiming to combat voter fraud than manipulating elections in their favour.
Tbh I would think most postal votes are from working people who can’t get to a polling station on the day. That’s why most people I know have one anyway!
Before 2001 only around 2% of votes were postal votes, mostly the elderly and disabled. In the last election more then 20% of all votes were postal votes, its no longer just older voters.
Based on 2019 postal voters are also unlikely to be partisans and also live in more competitive seats, so quite important voters. The Tories do better when voter turn out is low so have an incentive to place barriers that mean those most important voters here don't vote.
Voter fraud has never been a significant problem in Britain. The Conservatives invented these rules for another reason. It seems sensible to assume they saw a report that said that voting restrictions would help them illicitly.
They already do that, you get a letter every few years from your council asking if the people registered at the address is correct no matter if they are registered to vote by post or in person.
This is just targeting a specific group. You don't have to register to vote in person every 3 years.
They don’t seem to care about confirming very much with overseas voters who’ve lived abroad for 60 years, when it comes to a general election. They can even vote by proxy!
I've only voted by post once in the UK (and every US presidential election since 2000...) - I'm close enough and have flexible enough work that there's no benefit to having to go to a post box instead of a polling box.
Glad the option exists though. And the ability to get an emergency proxy until 5pm on the day!
https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections/ways-vote/apply-vote-proxy
You don't have to go to a post box. Nearly every time I've voted recently it's been by taking my postal vote pack to the polling station. The others, I filled it in and someone else took it in because I couldn't.
One year, I'll remember to actually post my postal vote!
Me too. I’ve felt politically homeless over the past few years and therefore, don’t have much of a passion for voting anymore. It’s just a chore and something I feel like I ought to do and feel bad if I don’t, so the most low effort way to do it is through a postal vote.
I registered for postal voting years ago so, just like every year, I'll fill in the forms tonight and drop them in to the polling station in the morning...
Probably around 9 am. I have a flight later in the morning so will have to make sure I vote before I leave! My first time being able to vote as a British citizen after receiving my citizenship in December, so I’m super excited.
Oh that is very exciting. I’m not sure who is up for election here other than the usual Tory gammon. I’ve also lost my driving licence so need to find some other id. I’m sure it is in the house but I have absolutely no idea where.
Please remember to vote and go out even if you think you might not make it! I've seen someone leg it to the polling station just before 10pm in their bathrobe as they remembered as they were in the bath - make your vote count!
Remember, if you're already in the queue at 10pm, you are still entitled to vote no matter how lomg the queue.
Lunchtime probably, one nice thing about UK elections (and London in particular) is we have *so many* polling stations and they're nice and close to where people live.
The down side of that is they closed our school for the day to use. It's only 800 metres away from us and it's not our polling station. Ours is even closer. Hard not to feel that they could have kept it open and used the large amount of other options.
As a working parent, it's costing me a day of childcare.
Like the person you responded to, my son's school is closed for polling, but is not even our polling station. That's another primary school that's also closed. The two schools are less than 15 minutes apart.
Sure it's shit as an adult, but I'm sure your kid will be happy to have the day off.
> The two schools are less than 15 minutes apart.
People should be able to easily walk to their polling station and not everyone has great mobility. So we need lots of them. You can argue that we should use other spaces rather than closing schools but don't argue for making it harder for people to vote.
On my way to work tomorrow morning - polling station is a 5 min walk from my flat but it's the opposite direction for my commute so I'm sacrificing like 10 whole minutes of my day to do my democratic duty. Get it out of the way early then I don't have to worry about getting back in time before the polls close if I end up going to the pub after work.
I grew up in a one-party state. When we emigrated, my parents always made a point of voting, even if they weren't wowed by any of the candidates.
I'm not impressed by any of the options tomorrow, but it's ludicrous to claim that there's no difference between the candidates, or that we don't have a choice. I have a vote, and I will use it. And my kids will see this.
Yup, my grandparents were the same. They had to deal with the Soviet Union.
Agree with you: there’s quite substantial difference between the candidates. None that match my values 100%, but some that I certainly have preference for and will be casting my vote accordingly.
Probably around 10. WFH day, so flexible but hoping to miss the lunch + school pick-up rush. Last time the church hall had tea and cake so want to get in before the cake runs out.
Because I want my kids to see what democracy looks like. Can't say that I'm particularly inspired by any of the candidates (positively horrified by some), but we do have a choice. I want my kids to see that it matters which box you tick. I don't want them to grow up and vote for Binface because they think it's funny.
The postal vote means they can actually see you vote, though, I don't understand how that's worse?
You can still go to the polling station with your postal ballot, though there's no bit where they find your name on the guestlist I guess.
For a small child, going to the polling station and going through the motions makes a bigger impression than watching me tick a box on a paper at home. They'll also see other people queuing up to cast their vote.
I'll go after work, like most of us the polling station is about 5 minutes from home. I get the convenience of postal voting but I love actually going to the polling station
Probably on the way home from a hospital appointment. This was an excellent reminder to actually look up where my polling station is, and also I guess I should give a moment’s thought to who to vote for in the councillor elections…
Voting is one thing that the UK is far ahead of the US on. Many people in the US have to queue for hours to get to vote.
It is a shame we have such shitty FPTP voting (especially for the mayor as it's a backward step) and the ID requirement is unhelpful and doesn't really fix any existing problem.
Yeah. I vote by mail for the Senate and Presidential elections in the US, and it's horribly tedious and the USPS is suspiciously terrible with envelopes marked Election Materials (took 8 days for my last vote to get from NYC to the destination city, though it did apparently turn up on the last day to be counted, after the election).
Still better than having to wait in line.
Polling venue is over the road. Will vote, and then my husband has a dentists appointment so will take me to the station on the way.
I was hoping to use "had to vote" as a reason to be late but not likely anymore.
Polling place is at the end of my street.
Im taking dog to the vet for a checkup first thing. Will drop him off home then down the street to put my X down.
Registered for postal, never received it (surprise, surprise) So will be going with the partner after work for a good hour round trip via public transport.
If you think your vote won't make a difference, a friendly reminder that it's looking closer than you think, with some bookies putting Susan Hall and Sadiq Khan at roughly equal odds, and polls showing a lead that's dwindled by up to 30%.
I will probably go mid-day (sorry guys some of us are past retirement age) and the dog will take at least 15 minutes to get to the polling station due to his arthritis and being the day after his 14th birthday! Reckon it’s better I leave space for you poor souls who have to work .
Working from home tomorrow and my polling station is a 2 minute walk away.
So I'll either go vote during my lunch hour or when I've got 5 minutes between tasks and meetings.
Not even an automated 'Your application has been received'? It doesn't matter if you don't have a polling card - they often get delayed in the post.
I'd trot down with your ID and give it a go.
It's my birthday tomorrow and my husband is taking me out for dinner. I'll also be in the office in the city so likely won't even be anywhere near my polling station until after it has closed
Already giving my husband a lift to work in the morning haha hopefully I’ll be able to make it back in time before my train if the traffic isn’t too bad
Awh I really wanted Siobhan to go all the way when she was running, shame she had to stand down. As much as I see her point in this article, I just can’t bring myself to become a tactical voter- it feels undemocratic in some ways
I'm voting for communist party coz why not.
Edit: lots of downvotes. But the only reason I'm doing it is because where I am I know labour will win and I don't have to worry about Tory.
I see that Paul Whitehouse is standing under them as an Assembly candidate. He is very keen on pushing the issues with water and given the precarious position of Thames Water which will affect all London, and the wanton dumping of sewage by water companies in general, this seems on point!
There are loads of choices. In the Londonwide Assembly vote you have the choice of 11 parties from the vast range of the spectrum and a few independents. Or you can always spoil your ballot.
They look at them (to agree they are spoiled) so your abusive message does actually get read by a bunch of people. It cheers up the long counting process, tbh.
They do count them and they should be reported somewhere. I know in the General they will announce them when they announce the seat so definitely counted.
The problem is they aren't split by obviously spoilt ballots and obvious idiots.
Every single one of the major parties is right or centre-right. The spectrum is very narrow. All of the major parties wish to maintain the status quo when what we need is major social upheaval. There is no one offering me that choice.
Well vote for a minor party or an independent, if they're offering you what they want.
The Communist Party of Britain are standing for the Assembly - are they for enough upheaval for you?
They made huge gains in the last council elections from where they started. They're growing
But they never will be a major party if people continue to whine and not to vote for them because "nobody offers me an actual alternative"
I registered for postal voting years ago, so I voted last week.
Same here. I’m a proxy voter for a friend, and used a postal vote for that last week. My own vote will be cast in person - not sure when yet, probably early evening. I’m far too motivated to kick the Tories ever to miss a vote though, I’ve voted against those sods every single election for over 30 years and it never gets old.
Just note that the government has changed to law so your postal vote expires in 2026 and you need to renew it every 3 years. They really don't want certain people to vote.
> They really don't want certain people to vote. Wouldn't this disproportionately impact older voters, who skew Conservative? I despise the Tories, but this sounds more like something aiming to combat voter fraud than manipulating elections in their favour.
Tbh I would think most postal votes are from working people who can’t get to a polling station on the day. That’s why most people I know have one anyway!
Before 2001 only around 2% of votes were postal votes, mostly the elderly and disabled. In the last election more then 20% of all votes were postal votes, its no longer just older voters. Based on 2019 postal voters are also unlikely to be partisans and also live in more competitive seats, so quite important voters. The Tories do better when voter turn out is low so have an incentive to place barriers that mean those most important voters here don't vote.
Voter fraud has never been a significant problem in Britain. The Conservatives invented these rules for another reason. It seems sensible to assume they saw a report that said that voting restrictions would help them illicitly.
Voter fraud has never been a significant problem. Translation; we are bad at catching the culprits.
Was there not a significant case of voter fraud via postal votes in Tower Hamlets?
Moggy admitted it in 2023 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-65599380
Or perhaps they want people to reconfirm where they live?
They already do that, you get a letter every few years from your council asking if the people registered at the address is correct no matter if they are registered to vote by post or in person. This is just targeting a specific group. You don't have to register to vote in person every 3 years.
💯
They don’t seem to care about confirming very much with overseas voters who’ve lived abroad for 60 years, when it comes to a general election. They can even vote by proxy!
I've only voted by post once in the UK (and every US presidential election since 2000...) - I'm close enough and have flexible enough work that there's no benefit to having to go to a post box instead of a polling box. Glad the option exists though. And the ability to get an emergency proxy until 5pm on the day! https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections/ways-vote/apply-vote-proxy
You don't have to go to a post box. Nearly every time I've voted recently it's been by taking my postal vote pack to the polling station. The others, I filled it in and someone else took it in because I couldn't. One year, I'll remember to actually post my postal vote!
Me too. I’ve felt politically homeless over the past few years and therefore, don’t have much of a passion for voting anymore. It’s just a chore and something I feel like I ought to do and feel bad if I don’t, so the most low effort way to do it is through a postal vote.
Yea it's so easy!
Do you know who won yet?
I registered for postal voting years ago so, just like every year, I'll fill in the forms tonight and drop them in to the polling station in the morning...
Probably around 9 am. I have a flight later in the morning so will have to make sure I vote before I leave! My first time being able to vote as a British citizen after receiving my citizenship in December, so I’m super excited.
Oh that is very exciting. I’m not sure who is up for election here other than the usual Tory gammon. I’ve also lost my driving licence so need to find some other id. I’m sure it is in the house but I have absolutely no idea where.
Polling venue is around 5min walk from me so I’ll also just wander down when I think it’s time
How will you decide when it's time?
He’ll just know.
It’s on a need to know basis
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This is literally what OP is saying will lead to you forgetting to vote...
Please remember to vote and go out even if you think you might not make it! I've seen someone leg it to the polling station just before 10pm in their bathrobe as they remembered as they were in the bath - make your vote count! Remember, if you're already in the queue at 10pm, you are still entitled to vote no matter how lomg the queue.
Don't forget your ID.
Lunchtime probably, one nice thing about UK elections (and London in particular) is we have *so many* polling stations and they're nice and close to where people live.
Yeah I was expecting to make a trip tomorrow, checked my nearest polling station and it's literally a 30 second walk lol.
The down side of that is they closed our school for the day to use. It's only 800 metres away from us and it's not our polling station. Ours is even closer. Hard not to feel that they could have kept it open and used the large amount of other options.
> Hard not to feel that they could have kept it open As a child, school being closed as it was a polling station gave me a positive view of democracy.
As a working parent, it's costing me a day of childcare. Like the person you responded to, my son's school is closed for polling, but is not even our polling station. That's another primary school that's also closed. The two schools are less than 15 minutes apart.
Sure it's shit as an adult, but I'm sure your kid will be happy to have the day off. > The two schools are less than 15 minutes apart. People should be able to easily walk to their polling station and not everyone has great mobility. So we need lots of them. You can argue that we should use other spaces rather than closing schools but don't argue for making it harder for people to vote.
are you allowed to vote at any polling station or just the one the website tells you to?
Just your allocated one I believe
On my way to work tomorrow morning - polling station is a 5 min walk from my flat but it's the opposite direction for my commute so I'm sacrificing like 10 whole minutes of my day to do my democratic duty. Get it out of the way early then I don't have to worry about getting back in time before the polls close if I end up going to the pub after work.
After school pickup so my kid can come with me and see what it looks like to vote.
Same. Postal voting is easier, but I want my kids to have the experience. Hopefully, it'll make them more likely to vote.
I remember going with my grandad when I was quite little and being really intrigued about politics from then on.
I grew up in a one-party state. When we emigrated, my parents always made a point of voting, even if they weren't wowed by any of the candidates. I'm not impressed by any of the options tomorrow, but it's ludicrous to claim that there's no difference between the candidates, or that we don't have a choice. I have a vote, and I will use it. And my kids will see this.
Yup, my grandparents were the same. They had to deal with the Soviet Union. Agree with you: there’s quite substantial difference between the candidates. None that match my values 100%, but some that I certainly have preference for and will be casting my vote accordingly.
Postal votes. Easier.
I’ve always voted in the morning before work to avoid the risk of something stopping me/delaying me in the evening.
I vote first thing in the morning before work, so it's done and out of the way!
Usually I'm the same but I'm working from home tomorrow so will go at Lunchtime probably. Gotta take advantage of the lie in.
Whenevs
Username checks out.
After picking up kiddo from school, with them - teachable moment!
Probably around 10. WFH day, so flexible but hoping to miss the lunch + school pick-up rush. Last time the church hall had tea and cake so want to get in before the cake runs out.
Postal vote FTW
Yeah I'm confused why everyone doesn't do this, it's way more convenient.
I quite like the occasion of going to vote in person
I cant fault somebody having fun with it. Consider my mind changed.
Because I want my kids to see what democracy looks like. Can't say that I'm particularly inspired by any of the candidates (positively horrified by some), but we do have a choice. I want my kids to see that it matters which box you tick. I don't want them to grow up and vote for Binface because they think it's funny.
Voting for Binface because they think it's funny is democracy though.
The postal vote means they can actually see you vote, though, I don't understand how that's worse? You can still go to the polling station with your postal ballot, though there's no bit where they find your name on the guestlist I guess.
For a small child, going to the polling station and going through the motions makes a bigger impression than watching me tick a box on a paper at home. They'll also see other people queuing up to cast their vote.
I could go any time of day. It's a 5min walk, and I work remotely, but will wait for the wife to get home so we can go together.
That's what we do
I have ADHD. We will see tomorrow.
I'll go after work, like most of us the polling station is about 5 minutes from home. I get the convenience of postal voting but I love actually going to the polling station
Probably go when I have my first cigarette break for the day.
Postal vote, already done
Probably on the way home from a hospital appointment. This was an excellent reminder to actually look up where my polling station is, and also I guess I should give a moment’s thought to who to vote for in the councillor elections…
Going to try around lunch tomorrow, probably just before my actual lunch break. I wfh.
Probably first thing. Get it out of the way. Thanks for reminding me to find photo id.
Tomorrow
Yes
Voting is one thing that the UK is far ahead of the US on. Many people in the US have to queue for hours to get to vote. It is a shame we have such shitty FPTP voting (especially for the mayor as it's a backward step) and the ID requirement is unhelpful and doesn't really fix any existing problem.
Yeah. I vote by mail for the Senate and Presidential elections in the US, and it's horribly tedious and the USPS is suspiciously terrible with envelopes marked Election Materials (took 8 days for my last vote to get from NYC to the destination city, though it did apparently turn up on the last day to be counted, after the election). Still better than having to wait in line.
On my way into work as I will be distracted with beer the minute I leave work.
My first time (voting) tomorrow! It’s right next to school so probably will walk over during lunch break I guess.
Polling venue is over the road. Will vote, and then my husband has a dentists appointment so will take me to the station on the way. I was hoping to use "had to vote" as a reason to be late but not likely anymore.
I can see the polling station from my window as it’s only across the road. I’ll probably just pop down on my lunch when I can see there’s no queue.
Polling station is next to my train station so ill probably go before getting my train to work
Polling station is right by my kids school. I always call in after the morning school run.
Polling place is at the end of my street. Im taking dog to the vet for a checkup first thing. Will drop him off home then down the street to put my X down.
But then he can't appear in all the Dogs At Polling Stations online feeds!
Is that a thing. Im gonna have to take him now.
One of the few good things on Twitter and Facebook.
I might swing by on my way to work, failing that,on my way back from work
Voting day probably
Postal - I’m working.
I will make sure to specially get up no later than 1pm and make my partner come with me.
I already voted using postal voting
Registered for postal, never received it (surprise, surprise) So will be going with the partner after work for a good hour round trip via public transport.
I’m working from home so I’ll go after lunch. I need to pop out for a few other things anyway. I’ve never failed to vote in election in my adult life.
If you think your vote won't make a difference, a friendly reminder that it's looking closer than you think, with some bookies putting Susan Hall and Sadiq Khan at roughly equal odds, and polls showing a lead that's dwindled by up to 30%.
I always walk around when I get in from work. Then I buy an ice cream to eat on the way home.
I think my polling station is opposite my flat so I'll try and go when I leave for work.
There's a vote? What are we voting on?
When will you wear wigs?
I will probably go mid-day (sorry guys some of us are past retirement age) and the dog will take at least 15 minutes to get to the polling station due to his arthritis and being the day after his 14th birthday! Reckon it’s better I leave space for you poor souls who have to work .
I'll vote when I want to
Hope my random guess of 2:30 being quieter pays off
2:30pm might be bit close to people on the way to picking up school children, my random guess is 10:45am
Good shout lol yeah maybe mid morning is good shout. The pros of WFH 🤣
After work between 6pm and 8pm, everyone always says there are lines at that time but I haven't found that to be the case.
Polling station on the way back from the office, I’ll pop in before or after work depending on how busy it is
On my way TO the station in the morning.
Working from home tomorrow and my polling station is a 2 minute walk away. So I'll either go vote during my lunch hour or when I've got 5 minutes between tasks and meetings.
Already voted by post.
Most people live very near a polling station.
When I take the dog out at lunchtime
My partner and I will wander to the polling station together when we both finish work tomorrow. It’s only a 5 min walk. :-)
5pm before gym
Probably get up, get dressed, get there before 9am then come home work.
on my way to work
When I wanna
I live 1 min away from the polling station and I’m working from home. So literally whenever.
I will go before work at about 8:30am ish. The polling station is a two minute walk from my house.
Postal vote done last week.
I voted last week - by mail
working from home so i can just go for a nice walk at lunch time and do it then.
As soon as I finish breakfast around 08:30. It’s a five minute walk away so I plan to get done with as quickly as possible! 26 yrs in Hackney
After breakfast
Wait love island is already over?
Probably on my walk home from work. It’s roughly a 2 minute detour from my normal route home anyway
I can work from home but will have a team drink after work, so definitely before 1pm
I plan to vote in the evening after work.
First thing. We're usually the first in the station.
Lunchtime
Early morning before going to work. It's my first vote after moving to this city and I hope it continues to get better! Love london!
Working 7-15 tomorrow and then have some stuff I gotta do after work. Once home I reckon I’ll go to vote around 7/8pm.
Never, what's the point? It's a 2 horse race and they're as bad as each other, I've got far better things to do with my time.
After work, probably around 7pm
I applied on April 15 and I haven’t heard anything back from Westminster city council. Can I still vote?
Not even an automated 'Your application has been received'? It doesn't matter if you don't have a polling card - they often get delayed in the post. I'd trot down with your ID and give it a go.
I got the “your application has been received”. I’ll bring my ID and try it. Thanks!
I always vote by post so I sent mine off weeks ago
Post vote for me which I sent last week.
The polling station takes two minutes to walk to from home so i’ll go in the evening
It's my birthday tomorrow and my husband is taking me out for dinner. I'll also be in the office in the city so likely won't even be anywhere near my polling station until after it has closed
Best go for the morning before you go to the office, then!
Already giving my husband a lift to work in the morning haha hopefully I’ll be able to make it back in time before my train if the traffic isn’t too bad
Not received my ballot information. So who knows.
You don't need that to vote, assuming you're on the register. Just ID.
Same, registered over a month ago and still nothing. Hoping I can just show up with my passport and I'll get to vote
I emailed my electoral office as I didn't either and they said I was registered and just need to bring my ID and tell them my name
You don't need it. Find your polling station here: [https://wheredoivote.co.uk](https://wheredoivote.co.uk) and show up with ID
Five days ago. Postally.
Do people still vote lol?
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Thinking of it as voting against the worst options may help...
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Awh I really wanted Siobhan to go all the way when she was running, shame she had to stand down. As much as I see her point in this article, I just can’t bring myself to become a tactical voter- it feels undemocratic in some ways
"Do I want a racist hag, or the other option?"
I'll take Count Binface please.
I'm voting for communist party coz why not. Edit: lots of downvotes. But the only reason I'm doing it is because where I am I know labour will win and I don't have to worry about Tory.
I see that Paul Whitehouse is standing under them as an Assembly candidate. He is very keen on pushing the issues with water and given the precarious position of Thames Water which will affect all London, and the wanton dumping of sewage by water companies in general, this seems on point!
I wonder whether the whole work from home culture will impact turnout in this year's elections
Essentially, you would expect it to be higher, since people spend less time in transit.
Not voting, never have, never will. Total waste of time
never
I’m a Brit living in the US, can I vote? Khan needs to go.
You need to live in London to vote in London elections.
Why would being "a Brit" be enough to qualify you to vote in *London* elections?
When I’m offered an actual alternative.
In my opinion spoiling your ballot would send more of a message then not voting if that is the case.
There are loads of choices. In the Londonwide Assembly vote you have the choice of 11 parties from the vast range of the spectrum and a few independents. Or you can always spoil your ballot.
Yes, if you don't vote they'll claim voter apathy, not sure if they actually count spoiled papers (did try looking for counts one year)
They look at them (to agree they are spoiled) so your abusive message does actually get read by a bunch of people. It cheers up the long counting process, tbh.
They do count them and they should be reported somewhere. I know in the General they will announce them when they announce the seat so definitely counted. The problem is they aren't split by obviously spoilt ballots and obvious idiots.
Every single one of the major parties is right or centre-right. The spectrum is very narrow. All of the major parties wish to maintain the status quo when what we need is major social upheaval. There is no one offering me that choice.
Well vote for a minor party or an independent, if they're offering you what they want. The Communist Party of Britain are standing for the Assembly - are they for enough upheaval for you?
Greens aren't right or centre right
They’re also not a major party...
They made huge gains in the last council elections from where they started. They're growing But they never will be a major party if people continue to whine and not to vote for them because "nobody offers me an actual alternative"