vote

[henrys]

a pal of mine who has never voted he is about 50 if he votes by postal and they find out he never voted would they be any probs thanks

[dot.hawkes]

Hi henrys how are you?
it doesn't work like that, the parties are allowed to ask people how they voted outside the polling station and they are allowed to offer lifts to the polling stations, but when u are in the booth, you could spoil your paper accidentally on purpose or just leave it blank, noone would know that you had done that, they know if you turn up to vote as you have to present your card and postal votes are recorded, but noone would be concerned iof u had never voted, or even surious unless the political party campagn managers had done lots and lots of homework over the years.

[Panic Button]

In this country voting is voluntary, so no one can complain if someone has never voted.

I think your friend is confusing us with Russia.

[dzug]

the parties are allowed to ask people how they voted outside the polling station
and you are entitled to refuse to answer; likewise you are entitled to refuse to give them your polling number. You are not obliged to show your card to anyone - even polling station staff.

The register that the polling station staff mark you off on is placed in a sealed envelope when the polling station closes which can only be opened on a court order.

An amusing story - some years ago I was working on a polling station. Conservative candidate draws up in his car with an elderly couple. When they placed their votes in the box they had (deliberately I think) folded them so I could see how they voted - Labour. Needless to say I kept quiet as the law requires.

[funkymoped]

there isnt a need for anyone to vote in Britain.
your friend will have NOTHING to worry about.
:-)

[WendyS]

It is not compulsory to vote in this country but I think it's sad when people don't exercise their vote yet always complain about the state of things. People in many countries would give their right arms to live in a democracic state..
Your friend can vote by post and the fact that he has never previously voted will not be an issue.

[henrys]

thank you all for the vvery
reassuring advice
my pal is very happy now