Polling day dawned, cold and dull - the sort of day when it is oh so tempting to jab the alarm into silence and pull up the duvet. But, for a by-election candidate, it is the culmination of all that hard work. Time to get out and meet the public!
And there is another job, to visit the polling stations and thank the presiding officer and his/her assistant. They're at their station for fifteen hours without a break, making sure that the democratic process functions. I like to look in on them and introduce myself, see how they're getting on, and gather some turnout data. Generally, they're friendly and, as long as you don't campaign in the polling station proper - a definite no-no - they'll make you welcome.
Today, turnout was never going to be massive and the polling stations overwhelmed. Even if everyone turned out, there would only be 110 voters per hour, spread between four polling stations. If the turnout ends up being at or around the 33% mark - and allowing for postal ballots - there will be about 24 voters per hour, or six per polling station on average.
But my colleagues were still willing to put in one last, final effort, the knock-up. And so we did.
Polls have closed, the voters have spoken, and all that remains is the count. And that will take place tomorrow morning.
A restless sleep is in prospect...
No comments:
Post a Comment