[Archived] Election

[LeChuck]

Just been and cast my vote.

Seems very ritualistic. There's a real air about the whole process. Feels a bit like the World Cup.

I know what you mean. I had to queue for 40 minutes but there was that kind of atmosphere, usually I hate queuing.

As one man shouted whilst joining the very end of the queue - "AND WHO SAID POLITICS WAS DEAD!".

[Hughesy]

Labour Voted!

[bazza]

I've also heard it said that anybody over 30 who votes Labour is braindead.

The old saying is, " Anyone who isn't a communist at twenty has something wrong with their heart.

Anyone who is still a communist at thirty has something wrong with their head."

For those of you who have not yet voted, get out there,grab your ballot paper and do something with it!

It is a crying shame for people to be so apathetic as to not to vote. Not many countries in the world have freedom and democracy like ours. Our ancestors fought tooth and nail to give you all this. Don't spurn it so cheaply.

[jim mk2]

You're an absolute hypocrite Jim. On another thread you were delighted at the prospect of the budget airlines collapsing if the ash cloud caused long term problems, obviously you're not bothered by the huge job losses that would follow.

The budget airlines business model is flawed because aviation fuel (kerosene) is exempted from excise duties. All other types of fuel are not. Airlines also pollute the planet. The displaced workers could get jobs on the high-speed rail lines that are being built all over the world and will be built here in the next decade or so. Problem solved.

[BuckyRover]

Rumour from ICM research on Twitter is saying Cons with 39%.

Overall majority

[Hughesy]

Its about time the country allowed online votes!! It would get a much bigger turn-out then!

[broadsword]

The bureaucracy required for online voting should make it a non-starter. I say "should" but no doubt the idea would appeal to Labour as it would be something to shovel lots of money into.

As for budget airlines polluting the planet ... you don't buy all that carbon footprint hogwash, do you? Even if an aircraft never took off again, one day fossil fuels will run out, because there's no way mankind will reduce CO2 output to zero before the fuel runs out. You might as well produce the CO2 now. It won't make any odds anyhow.

Not that I mind travelling by train. In fact, I prefer to use eurostar over airlines. Much nicer way to travel, and I can get absolutely shredded down the buffet car.

[RibbleValleyRover]

Rumour from ICM research on Twitter is saying Cons with 39%.

Overall majority

I bet we see an exit poll that shows it really close. But the marginals will decide the end result.

I have hope for a certain result but i can't say 100% that its going to happen, got a horrible feeling it may be different.

[broadsword]

Who's going to stay up for the results then, and what time you staying up until.

[RibbleValleyRover]

Who's going to stay up for the results then, and what time you staying up until.

Going to stay up as long as i can, i reckon i can make it until at least 4am, beyond that who knows lol.

[RibbleValleyRover]

Exit poll, Con largest party.

Con-307

Lab-255

Lib Dem- 59

Others- 29

I think that poll is wrong. Lib Dem's will lose seats?

[broadsword]

I was thinking that. They would be down 3. After all the stuff about the leadership debates and the bounce it was meant to have given Clegg, you have to wonder.

[koi]

Gut feeling is the exit poll is too high for Labour and too low for Lib Dem. Would be ###### funny if Lib Dems actually lost seats. Think the Tories will be around that figure.

[RibbleValleyRover]

Gut feeling is the Conservatives will get the 326 needed or very, very close. Lib Dem's will take seats off Labour.

[SouthAussieRover]

PPS Do you enjoy living in a Liberal controlled city?

Our member for parliament is an Independent in a Labor controlled state.

[Tom]

Ok I'm not too ashamed to admit I'm a bit confused. If it was as predicted by the exit polls who would be the PM and which parties policies would come into play.

I voted based on policies surrounding families mainly involving the changes to maternity leave.

It may seem like a bad reason for some but I wasn't too sure how a lot of the policies affected me and my family.

[koi]

Ok I'm not too ashamed to admit I'm a bit confused. If it was as predicted by the exit polls who would be the PM and which parties policies would come into play.

I voted based on policies surrounding families mainly involving the changes to maternity leave.

It may seem like a bad reason for some but I wasn't too sure how a lot of the policies affected me and my family.

Not at all, you vote on what is important to you. If you aren't clear on something then contact the party in question.

307 is a workable majority for a government. Even if the Lib/Lab formed a coalition the Unionist should just take the Tories home. Too close though.

The Dark Lord is spinning already.

[RibbleValleyRover]

Honestly if Clegg is telling the truth about working with someone with the clearest mandate (on these figures- if the end result) he will have to do a deal with the Conservatives. Not sure they need that though, Cameron might be able to govern on a miniority with the unionists.

[Hughesy]

Il probably watch it till 1-2am.....just hope some shocks turn up when the first counts are in.

[broadsword]

The BBC's graphics are making me feel sea-sick.

[Hughesy]

Houghton & Sunderland South - usually Labour - This time...Libs 5292, Conserv 8147, Labour 19137

Con gain around 5%

Bryan - watch ITV - much better

[grizfoot]

I like staying up and watching the results come in. I voted Lib Dems but I highly suspect the best I can hope for is a Labour/Lib Dems hung parliament, as long as the Tories don't get in it will be a good result in my opinion.

[tcj_jones]

Would love to stay up and watch it, but early start tomorrow. Hoping I wake up and find that the exit polls are scewed and Labour have come out a bit closer to the Tories. Fingers crossed!

[RibbleValleyRover]

Houghton & Sunderland South - usually Labour - This time...Libs 5292, Conserv 8147, Labour 19137

Con gain around 5%

Bryan - watch ITV - much better

Over an 8% swing to the Conservatives in a rock solid Labour seat. They could put up a plant there as a candidate and Labour would win that seat.

[Hughesy]

2nd in - Washington & Sunderland West - Lib 6382, cons 8157, Lab 19615

Swing LAB to CON of 11.6%....ouch

Lab down 16.2%, Con up 6.9%