The AnswerBank Supports British Democracy

[AB Editor]

Today, when I stepped outside I swear I could smell democracy in the air.

Equally the grass had just been cut this morning, so it may have also been that.

The AnswerBank would like to offer some kind words of support for the troubled democracy of Britain.

Yes, there have been scandals a-plenty; the public almost assume those in power will be instantly corrupted – if they have not already had a reserve price put down next to their name by a global conglomerate. Yes, this current government had promised us Parliamentary reform 13 years ago, and, again, thinks we might just believe them this time; this distain for the public’s intelligence is breath-taking. Equally in opposition we have a party who have managed to blame the Public Sector for the current financial crisis – rather than the too-free enterprise of the banks.

And yes, even when a third party appears to gain some support amongst voters our newspapers rabidly attempt to shoot them down. Our media lathers itself up into a frenzy about the tiniest of matters – whooping like baboons every time a politician slips on a banana.

Yet none of this matters; democracy is in the air. Today you will, most likely, visit a polling booth for the very private act of playing-your-part. We all like to moan, but now is our chance to actually do something. Whether you vote “tactically” or for the party you actually believe in remember your vote will be counted.

Turnout looks to be good this year, and hopefully there will be a decent turnout tonight on AnswerBank. I intend to put up a thread in the News section, and hopefully some of you will come join me to have a chat, cheer and boo, and get riled up in the massive, bloated pantomime of it all!

All the best

Spare Ed

[redman41]

Went to Vote at 07.30 am Ed as I believe in it. Whether we end up with the type of Govt we need and deserve is another thing altogether.

[joggerjayne]

Me too, redman.

Hopped on my mountain bike and voted just after 7.00.

[DrFilth]

http://www.theanswerb...s/Question891911.html

in a true democracy would you have a number on your voting slip that can be traced back to you

[AB Editor]

Some Points Of Reference, if you're still undecided:

Cameron-Land, by Johann Hari:
http://www.independen...ron-land-1962318.html

Election contenders in final preparations to begin ignoring you again, by Newsarse
http://newsarse.com/2...n-ignoring-you-again/

Your democracy’s spoiling my vote!, by @WriterJames
http://cubiksrube.wor...cys-spoiling-my-vote/

The Army of Dave Guide to Voting Etiquette, by @ArmyOfDave
http://armyofdave.com...-to-voting-etiquette/

[AB Editor]

Thanks For Nothing Gordon Brown, by Jock McPhuckwerter
http://www.dailysquib.co.uk/?c=125&a=2282

David Cameron Facts, by @DaveFacts
http://www.davidcameronfacts.co.uk/

Nervous, by Anton Vowl
http://enemiesofreaso...k/2010/05/05/nervous/

The Election, by @Lisaansell
http://deeplyflawedbu.../05/03/this-election/

and finally:

The Official Monster Raving Loony Party Site and Manifesto

http://www.omrlp.com/
and
http://www.loonyparty...=manifestoproposals-1

[AB Editor]

Dear All,

Glad you've voted guys. It is important. Sorry about the post - I think I got a bit misty-eyed in there somewhere.

JJ - your Avatar is...interesting. No chance you fancy something less controversial?

The problem is Dr.F then there would be the concern that certain governments would only help their supporters? I know this is roughly the case now, but there is some "collateral benefits" out there in this anonymity.

Spare Ed

[joggerjayne]

Sorry, Ed.

You don't like my Avatar?

Okay, okay ... I'll change it back to the jogger.

x

[AB Editor]

Thanks JJ,

I do respect you right to make loads of noise about it of course... just not visually!

Did you go Tory in the end JJ?

Spare Ed

[DrFilth]

dear spare ed don't think you have understood what i have put or i have misunderstood your answer

[jno]

voted last week. not going to do it again.

[funnygirl]

I've voted already too!

I just wish Gordon Brown all the best.

[AB Editor]

Dr.F I would like to think it is both of us! Although, in reality, it is most likely my misunderstanding.

A nice post on the final polls here:
http://ukpollingreport.co.uk/blog/

AND: http://news.bbc.co.uk...tion_2010/8661984.stm

To quote from the Beeb article:

"Pyjamas are fine, provided they're not indecent. And so is a builder who's stripped to the waist. We want people to vote, we don't want to turn people away," he says. But a line does have to be drawn somewhere, he says. "A topless woman wouldn't be appropriate as voters might get distracted."

I laughed - is this why Murdoch's Sun has so much sway over the voters? Distraction by breasts?

All the best

Spare Ed

[DrFilth]

sorry ed can't read your first link hate them things
second link yes , take this little snippet

No. British democracy works on the basis of a secret ballot.

now think of what i have said , why have a number on your voting slip that can be traced back to you ?

must go have a nice day everyone

[AB Editor]

Have a nice day.

Anyone else excited about democracy?

Spare Ed

[AB Editor]

Not Doc then.

Ever thought about becoming an MP Doc? I would vote for you.

Spare Ed

[mike11111]

I take the point about numbered ballot papers, but this is purely to prevent fraud. Given the advances in modern technology, if ballot papers were unnumbered there would be nothing to prevent someone with a handful of pre-printed papers stuffing them into the ballot box. Obviously the voting figures would not tally, but then which votes would be discounted? Once votes have been counted they are then resealed in ballot boxes which can only be reopened by order of the High Court, in cases where fraud is suspected. I know of no instance where a ballot paper has been traced back to an individual voter. Rest easy.

[AB Editor]

For those who like a drink:

The Election Night Drinking Game:
http://armyofdave.com...-night-drinking-game/

[AB Editor]

Hi again everyone.

Just thought I would drop in this video.

I am just saying... it could be worse. We don't yet have a self-annihilation party.

Spare Ed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOuumGX-6uc