And for all the idiots out there, a guide on how to......

[mattx]

vote:

BBC News - On the day

That's right folks, a step by step guide on how to put a 'X' in a box. Next week, a step by step guide on how to wipe my bottom.

[TwoZeroAlpha]

It's sad that the BBC feel there is a need to publish this, and sadder still that they are probably spot on.

[tmcd35]

That's quiet comical! Remind me of the fantastic Harry Enfield sketches - 'Public Information Broadcasts'.

[danrhodes]

There are no words for this...

[broc]

I was talking to a prospective candidate for our local council recently, he said there were a surprising number of people who said they didn't vote because they didn't know how to - their parents had never shown them because they didn't know how to vote either.......

Sad to think women died fighting to secure the vote for women, & many more people died during WWII fighting for the freedom to vote.....

[sidewinder]

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[tech_guy]

I don't see what the problem is - for the majority in some areas it's just like going to sign on - they should be familiar with putting an 'x' on a piece of paper by now?! ;-)

[creese]

Sad to think women died fighting to secure the vote for women, & many more people died during WWII fighting for the freedom to vote.....

They also died for us to choose not to vote.

Some people believe that not voting or spoiling your slip is demonstrating a complaint about the current electoral system.

[witch]

They also died for us to choose not to vote.

Some people believe that not voting or spoiling your slip is demonstrating a complaint about the current electoral system.

But how would the powers-that-be know that was the intention? After all, it could just be that the person was too stupid to understand how to put a cross in a box.

Having said that - I was talking to some teenagers the other day who did not understand that the voting was secret - they just presumed that with the 'big brother' attitude of the government, that your vote would be known!! I think what is missing is the basic education for this - after all, if they don't know now and are perhaps not savvy enough to find out, you can see why they wouldn't vote

[creese]

But how would the powers-that-be know that was the intention? After all, it could just be that the person was too stupid to understand how to put a cross in a box.

Having said that - I was talking to some teenagers the other day who did not understand that the voting was secret - they just presumed that with the 'big brother' attitude of the government, that your vote would be known!! I think what is missing is the basic education for this - after all, if they don't know now and are perhaps not savvy enough to find out, you can see why they wouldn't vote

I can't answer the first bit, I'm not of that opinion but I do know a significant number of people believe it.

Point 2. I've not checked recently but aren't there things that could identify you? Are we absolutely sure we can't be traced?

[witch]

I don't think so - but my point was that the teenagers had no idea that the vote is even SUPPOSED to be secret. AFAIC that is what lessons like PCSFE or whatever your school calls it these days - or general studies for the A level lot. The children need to be taught the basics of life - tax, pay, savings, the electoral system etc etc.
But they are not as far as I can see

[tech_guy]

Well, I always vote by post, but this year I have deliberately spoilt my ballot paper by writing in big black felt-tip, "NONE. I AM NOT VOTING AS NONE OF THE CURRENT POLITICAL PARTIES DESERVE OUR VOTE, RE: THE IRAQ / AFGHANISTAN WARS AND THE MP'S EXPENSES SCANDAL"...

[danrhodes]

I don't see what the problem is - for the majority in some areas it's just like going to sign on - they should be familiar with putting an 'x' on a piece of paper by now?! ;-)

True, which party is it that said they would give everybody a job, and if then don't do the job then its bye-bye benefits? (with exceptions obviously, for old people, disabled and people who are actively looking for work like Axe)

D

[tech_guy]

Yes, instead of benefits paid in cash for the long-term unemployed, they should receive vouchers that can only be spent on food and utility bills. Not fags and booze, etc.

[danrhodes]

Well, I always vote by post, but this year I have deliberately spoilt my ballot paper by writing in big black felt-tip, "NONE. I AM NOT VOTING AS NONE OF THE CURRENT POLITICAL PARTIES DESERVE OUR VOTE, RE: THE IRAQ / AFGHANISTAN WARS AND THE MP'S EXPENSES SCANDAL"...

You have to choose the best of a really bad bunch!