Are you voting in the European Elections?

[yeezus.]

Alright folks, I've been doing a bit of canvassing but I've not met a great amount of people who are actually voting on May 22nd, I'm interested to know how many .netters are?

[ronaldo7]

Yes:greengrin

[hibsbollah]

Always. Even if I distrust them all profoundly.

[Scouse Hibee]

Nah.

[Peevemor]

Yes, especially since it's the only vote I'm permitted these days.

[dave62]

Yes, although I've not decided who I will vote for, I will vote for someone.

[Sir David Gray]

Yep.

I have voted in every single election that's been held since I turned 18 and I intend to continue to vote for the rest of my life.

It's something that I think is very important.

[Scouse Hibee]

Yep.

I have voted in every single election that's been held since I turned 18 and I intend to continue to vote for the rest of my life.

It's something that I think is very important.


Almost the complete opposite of my election participation.

[marinello59]

No ****ing way. I voted last night and some bearded bloke in a dress got in.

[Pretty Boy]

More than likely I will.

Probably a vote for the Greens from me.

[yeezus.]

No ****ing way. I voted last night and some bearded bloke in a dress got in.

:faf: awful wasn't it!?

[Saorsa]

No ****ing way. I voted last night and some bearded bloke in a dress got in.:hilarious



On a serious note, I vote in every election from local/community council tae the Euros

[PeeJay]

Jawohl!

[heretoday]

You should vote. The EU is important. If Scotland gains independence it'll become vital.

[The_Todd]

Yes. And I'm voting Green.

[lucky]

I'm voting Labour

[Saorsa]

I'm voting Labourreally? :eek:

:wink:

I'm voting....:hmmm:

[yeezus.]

I'm voting Labour

Same here lucky, I didn't post a poll about who people were voting for because I know how touchy people can be about that :greengrin

[Future17]

Yes, especially since it's the only vote I'm permitted these days.

You been away more than 15 years Peeve?

[Speedy]

No, complete waste of my time.

That said, so is the independence referendum and I'll vote in that.

[Glory Lurker]

Voted "yes" (really enjoyable, by the way, everyone should do it at every opportunity! :wink:) It really is the Ramsdens Cup of democracy, though isn't it?

In principle I'm pro-European, but the EU does everything it can to make me think otherwise. It's a disgrace.

[yeezus.]

Voted "yes" (really enjoyable, by the way, everyone should do it at every opportunity! :wink:) It really is the Ramsdens Cup of democracy, though isn't it?

In principle I'm pro-European, but the EU does everything it can to make me think otherwise. It's a disgrace.

Absolutely. I think I'm going alright though, I'm only 22 and I voted in the 2010 General election, 2011 Scottish parliament election, AV Referendum, 2012 council elections and now the Europeans - I quite enjoy the build up.

[sauzee_4]

Absolutely. I think I'm going alright though, I'm only 22 and I voted in the 2010 General election, 2011 Scottish parliament election, AV Referendum, 2012 council elections and now the Europeans - I quite enjoy the build up.

Not voting because I've not been following the issues surrounding it, I'd rather not vote if I don't have a full understanding of the debate.

You could maybe give me any idea of what Labour/SNP/Greens are proposing? :)

Had a UKip leaflet through the door recently their proposals sounded very interesting.....<sarcastic smiley>

[yeezus.]

Not voting because I've not been following the issues surrounding it, I'd rather not vote if I don't have a full understanding of the debate.

You could maybe give me any idea of what Labour/SNP/Greens are proposing? :)

Had a UKip leaflet through the door recently their proposals sounded very interesting.....<sarcastic smiley>

I've only had a Green Party and Conservative party leaflet through the door. The Tories say they are offering "a different relationship with Europe", the Greens mentioned independence in their leaflet so neither really appeal to me.

As a previous poster said, it's a bit like the Ramsdens Cup of voting but I want the UK to remain in the EU... and I'm a Labour party guy.

[Peevemor]

You been away more than 15 years Peeve?

No, knocking on 10. I know that I can vote in the UK general elections but I don't as a matter of principle.

As I said, I've lived here for years, I pay my taxes here, my wife is French and my daughters were born here. I find it ludicrous that I can still influence what happens in the UK (albeit in the most miniscule way) but not in the country where I live.

Prior to leaving Scotland I never missed a single vote. As far as I'm concerned, if you can't be bothered voting then you give up your right to an opinion on how the country's being run.

Friends and colleagues here have suggested that I take French nationality to remedy this. Even though I could if I wanted, the problem is I'm not French and never will be.

I think that, at least within the EU, voting rights should be transferred after something like 3 years continuous residence.

[Speedy]

No, knocking on 10. I know that I can vote in the UK general elections but I don't as a matter of principle.

As I said, I've lived here for years, I pay my taxes here, my wife is French and my daughters were born here. I find it ludicrous that I can still influence what happens in the UK (albeit in the most miniscule way) but not in the country where I live.

Prior to leaving Scotland I never missed a single vote. As far as I'm concerned, if you can't be bothered voting then you give up your right to an opinion on how the country's being run.

Friends and colleagues here have suggested that I take French nationality to remedy this. Even though I could if I wanted, the problem is I'm not French and never will be.

I think that, at least within the EU, voting rights should be transferred after something like 3 years continuous residence.

I don't agree with that at all.

An individual's vote will never make a difference. If people genuinely want to make a difference then they should run for elections themselves and do things differently.

[yeezus.]

No, knocking on 10. I know that I can vote in the UK general elections but I don't as a matter of principle.

As I said, I've lived here for years, I pay my taxes here, my wife is French and my daughters were born here. I find it ludicrous that I can still influence what happens in the UK (albeit in the most miniscule way) but not in the country where I live.

Prior to leaving Scotland I never missed a single vote. As far as I'm concerned, if you can't be bothered voting then you give up your right to an opinion on how the country's being run.

Friends and colleagues here have suggested that I take French nationality to remedy this. Even though I could if I wanted, the problem is I'm not French and never will be.

I think that, at least within the EU, voting rights should be transferred after something like 3 years continuous residence.

Seems a bit harsh. I know people who don't vote because they genuinely believe it won't make a difference.

[Peevemor]

I don't agree with that at all.

An individual's vote will never make a difference. If people genuinely want to make a difference then they should run for elections themselves and do things differently.

So if everybody miraculously develops a social conscience well have 30m candidates at the next election?

I'm honestly gobsmacked by your statement. If everyone took the attitude that their vote made no difference then we'd be completely daffied.

[Sir David Gray]

Seems a bit harsh. I know people who don't vote because they genuinely believe it won't make a difference.

If everybody took that course of action then nothing would happen.

I pretty much agree with Peevemor's view. If you don't vote then you shouldn't complain about what's happening in the country.

[Speedy]

So if everybody miraculously develops a social conscience well have 30m candidates at the next election?

I'm honestly gobsmacked by your statement. If everyone took the attitude that their vote made no difference then we'd be completely daffied.

If nobody else voted then I'd have the deciding vote and I'd need to put some serious thought into it but realistically neither of those things are going to happen.

I don't understand why people would deny others an opinion based on something that makes absolutely no difference.

[Pretty Boy]

I never really get the argument that 'my vote won't make a difference'.

Taken as one person that is arguably true but if everyone took that stance then no one would vote and nothing would happen. Everyones vote matters because it's part of a greater collective process.

[Speedy]

I never really get the argument that 'my vote won't make a difference'.

Taken as one person that is arguably true but if everyone took that stance then no one would vote and nothing would happen. Everyones vote matters because it's part of a greater collective process.

"If everyone took that view" is irrelevant. Whether someone votes or not is up to them, it doesn't influence what other people do and it doesn't influence the outcome (with the exception of elections won by a single vote and I can't say I'm aware of any).

[Peevemor]

If there's a Yes victory in September, there's no chance of constructing anything decent on the back of that sort of apathy. I honestly hope that there aren't too many others who share your view.

[yeezus.]

If everybody took that course of action then nothing would happen.

I pretty much agree with Peevemor's view. If you don't vote then you shouldn't complain about what's happening in the country.

What happens if no candidate / party represents your views?

[Peevemor]

Seems a bit harsh. I know people who don't vote because they genuinely believe it won't make a difference.


That sort of thinking really infuriates me. If all these people did vote then they would make a difference.

[NYHibby]

As I said, I've lived here for years, I pay my taxes here, my wife is French and my daughters were born here. I find it ludicrous that I can still influence what happens in the UK (albeit in the most miniscule way) but not in the country where I live.


At least you can vote in the EU election. I can't vote in anything over here despite living in Scotland for over 5 years.

I still vote in all the US elections though. I just voted in local municipal primaries for a small town I haven't lived in since 2005. Because of the small number of people who vote in local primaries, I could actually change the outcome.

[yeezus.]

That sort of thinking really infuriates me. If all these people did vote then they would make a difference.

See my post above... what happens if nobody represents your views? Do you vote for the sake of it?

[Peevemor]

What happens if no candidate / party represents your views?

That's a different issue, but you could always spoil your ballot paper to let them know.

In fact the French have introduced blank as an option, ie. 'none of the above'.

[yeezus.]

That's a different issue, but you could always spoil your ballot paper to let them know.

In fact the French have introduced blank as an option, ie. 'none of the above'.

We're sorted then, let's do that.

[Peevemor]

We're sorted then, let's do that.

I respect people who vote "blanc" because they take the time to show their disapproval.

[yeezus.]

I respect people who vote "blanc" because they take the time to show their disapproval.

I think people should vote but I wouldn't tell them not to complain if they decided against it. :tin hat:

[Peevemor]

I think people should vote but I wouldn't tell them not to complain if they decided against it. :tin hat:

Again there's a difference between 'decided against it' and 'couldn't be bothered' (which is what I referred to in my original post).

[Speedy]

Again there's a difference between 'decided against it' and 'couldn't be bothered' (which is what I referred to in my original post).

What's the difference?

What are the reasons for deciding against it that entitle you to an opinion on how the country is run?

[yeezus.]

Again there's a difference between 'decided against it' and 'couldn't be bothered' (which is what I referred to in my original post).

Right, so we round up the people who couldn't be bothered and tell them not to complain - great idea.

[PeeJay]

No, knocking on 10. I know that I can vote in the UK general elections but I don't as a matter of principle.

As I said, I've lived here for years, I pay my taxes here, my wife is French and my daughters were born here. I find it ludicrous that I can still influence what happens in the UK (albeit in the most miniscule way) but not in the country where I live.

Prior to leaving Scotland I never missed a single vote. As far as I'm concerned, if you can't be bothered voting then you give up your right to an opinion on how the country's being run.

Friends and colleagues here have suggested that I take French nationality to remedy this. Even though I could if I wanted, the problem is I'm not French and never will be.

I think that, at least within the EU, voting rights should be transferred after something like 3 years continuous residence.

I don't vote in the UK either (been away most of my life) the answer to your problem is - as your friends suggest - to take out French citizenship? Then you could vote in the GEs? Dual nationality is possible in Germany, for example - maybe in France too? Of course, if your intention is to leave France at some point (for "home" for example) maybe the citizenship is a wrong move?

With the freedom of movement in the EU, I think your proposed "transfer of voting rights" is impractical and probably open to misuse -

[Moulin Yarns]

If anybody thinking they will not bother voting, consider this, I saw the party election broadcast by the Britain First Party last night, and that was the most frightening thing I have ever seen. I looked into them ant it turns out to be funded by someone who thinks the BNP are moderate.

[Pretty Boy]

If anybody thinking they will not bother voting, consider this, I saw the party election broadcast by the Britain First Party last night, and that was the most frightening thing I have ever seen. I looked into them ant it turns out to be funded by someone who thinks the BNP are moderate.

I watched the English Democrats broadcast the other night and thought it was a spoof at first. The BNP one is just downright bizarre, it features penguins ffs.

I see UKIP are attracting press again as well, one of their youth memebers resigning and urging people not to vote for them as they are going down a path of 'populist racism'.

[hibsbollah]

At least you can vote in the EU election. I can't vote in anything over here despite living in Scotland for over 5 years.

I still vote in all the US elections though. I just voted in local municipal primaries for a small town I haven't lived in since 2005. Because of the small number of people who vote in local primaries, I could actually change the outcome.

If you have 3 years residency you can vote in the referendum. Look into it.

[Hibbyradge]

http://www.rottenecards.com/ecards/Rottenecards_9338840_8p8hdqphvd.png

[Speedy]

http://www.rottenecards.com/ecards/Rottenecards_9338840_8p8hdqphvd.png

If people want to vote or not, fine with me.

If people want to change the system then voting doesn't cut it for me, they need to get off their arse and do something about it. Voting certainly doesn't entitle people to get on their high horse regarding others voting habits.

[RyeSloan]

Being an MEP must be a great job...one week a month is Strasbourg with a big rubber stamp for the commissions proposals or a big rubber mallet to pretendy bash the latest euro wheeze.

To suggest an MEP actually represents their constituents interests in terms of how the EU is run or it's legislative agenda would seem somewhat fanciful.

[yeezus.]

If anybody thinking they will not bother voting, consider this, I saw the party election broadcast by the Britain First Party last night, and that was the most frightening thing I have ever seen. I looked into them ant it turns out to be funded by someone who thinks the BNP are moderate.

I saw that on ITV the last night - absolutely awful and as you say quite frightening. Are they standing in Scotland!?

[Moulin Yarns]

I saw that on ITV the last night - absolutely awful and as you say quite frightening. Are they standing in Scotland!?


Wait for it,

On its website (http://www.britainfirst.org/), the party promises to promote a "robust and confrontational" message about the need to leave the European Union, end immigration and put British workers first.



Candidates: Fielding candidates in Scotland and Wales only.

[yeezus.]

Wait for it,

On its website (http://www.britainfirst.org/), the party promises to promote a "robust and confrontational" message about the need to leave the European Union, end immigration and put British workers first.



Candidates: Fielding candidates in Scotland and Wales only.

Grim reading http://ukpollingreport.co.uk/2015guide/scotland-european-candidates-2014/

[Future17]

At least you can vote in the EU election. I can't vote in anything over here despite living in Scotland for over 5 years.

I still vote in all the US elections though. I just voted in local municipal primaries for a small town I haven't lived in since 2005. Because of the small number of people who vote in local primaries, I could actually change the outcome.


If you have 3 years residency you can vote in the referendum. Look into it.

Regardless of residency, to be able to vote in the referendum you have to be either a British, qualifying Commonwealth or European Union citizen. So, on the assumption that NYHibby is American and hasn't obtained citizenship here, he won't be able vote in September.

Also, length of residency doesn't really matter so not sure where the 3 years comes from?

[yeezus.]

Again there's a difference between 'decided against it' and 'couldn't be bothered' (which is what I referred to in my original post).

It's none of your business if people can't be bothered to vote.

[Hibbyradge]

If people want to vote or not, fine with me.

If people want to change the system then voting doesn't cut it for me, they need to get off their arse and do something about it. Voting certainly doesn't entitle people to get on their high horse regarding others voting habits.

They're unlikely to get off their arse and do something radical if they can't even be bothered to get off their arse to vote.

[Peevemor]

It's none of your business if people can't be bothered to vote.

I totally agree, as long as they don't bump their gums about the state of the country in my company.

[offshorehibby]

Yes, already sent my postal vote in.

[Speedy]

I totally agree, as long as they don't bump their gums about the state of the country in my company.

What do you need to do to earn the right to complain about the state of the country?

[Speedy]

They're unlikely to get off their arse and do something radical if they can't even be bothered to get off their arse to vote.

Probably true but that's not relevant to the point I'm making.

[Peevemor]

What do you need to do to earn the right to complain about the state of the country?

Participate.

[Speedy]

Participate.

In what?

[Peevemor]

In what?

The democratic process.

You seem to have a better alternative in mind..

[Speedy]

The democratic process.

You seem to have a better alternative in mind..

So a vote then?

....
Person A votes - the vote was won by 10,000 votes meaning Person A's vote had no influence on the state of the country, or anything else.

Person B doesn't vote - the vote was won by 10,000 votes meaning Person B's decision not to vote had no influence on the state of the country, or anything else.

Neither does anything else.

Person A takes the moral high ground and tells Person B he isn't entitled to an opinion on the way in which the country is run despite neither of them doing anything which actually influences the way the country is run.
.....

How is there any logic in that?

[yeezus.]

What do you need to do to earn the right to complain about the state of the country?

Vote apparently :rolleyes:

[Peevemor]

Because if everyone had the same attitude as person B where would we end up? Person B is happy to sit on his backside and let others take the responsibility - that's fine, but if he's unhappy with the way that person A voted, tough *****!

[Hibbyradge]

35% of the UK population didn't vote in the 2010 general election thereby allowing other people the right to decide who makes the rules.

Of course those people will still complain when they find their working age increases to 70, and their pensions are reduced, and when they're charged to go to the doctor etc etc etc but the truth is, they're partly responsible.

As far as I'm concerned, deliberate non-voters are as much to blame as the people who voted for the government. Their (lack of) action meant that they didn't care about the outcome.

The upcoming referendum is a case in point.

What reason could someone have for deciding not to vote in September? Presumably because they don't care what happens to the country or maybe they genuinely can't decide.

There will be people like that and if they want others to make the decision for them, then that's their choice.

What would you say to someone who had deliberately abstained, but was now complaining about the outcome? Would you take their complaints seriously?

"Oh woe is me - I knew we should have become independent/stayed in the UK".

"Yes, it was your right not to vote and your complaint about the outcome is valid and credible"?

I doubt (m)any would see it that way.

[Speedy]

Because if everyone had the same attitude as person B where would we end up? Person B is happy to sit on his backside and let others take the responsibility - that's fine, but if he's unhappy with the way that person A voted, tough *****!

As I've already said "what if everyone had that attitude" is irrelevant, it will never happen.

Person B is letting others take responsibility but Person A is as well.

Person A could run for election himself, he could highlight the pros and cons of the option so people can make a reasoned decision or he could canvas more people to support his views. But he doesn't, he just makes his single inconsequencial vote and views himself as more superior for doing so.

Do you at least get where I'm coming from? People can criticise Person B if they like but if Person A does then he's a hypocrite.

Wouldn't argue with your last bit.

[Speedy]

35% of the UK population didn't vote in the 2010 general election thereby allowing other people the right to decide who makes the rules.

Of course those people will still complain when they find their working age increases to 70, and their pensions are reduced, and when they're charged to go to the doctor etc etc etc but the truth is, they're partly responsible.

As far as I'm concerned, deliberate non-voters are as much to blame as the people who voted for the government. Their (lack of) action meant that they didn't care about the outcome.

The upcoming referendum is a case in point.

What reason could someone have for deciding not to vote in September? Presumably because they don't care what happens to the country or maybe they genuinely can't decide.

There will be people like that and if they want others to make the decision for them, then that's their choice.

What would you say to someone who had deliberately abstained, but was now complaining about the outcome? Would you take their complaints seriously?
"Oh woe is me - I knew we should have become independent/stayed in the UK".

"Yes, it was your right not to vote and your complaint about the outcome is valid and credible"?

I doubt (m)any would see it that way.

Not directly a question for you but the bit in bold is an interesting angle as well. If people voted for the people that win, are they allowed to complain?

I doubt I would take their complaint seriously but personally I probably wouldn't take it seriously whether they voted or not.

[Hibbyradge]

Not directly a question for you but the bit in bold is an interesting angle as well. If people voted for the people that win, are they allowed to complain?



As you pointed out, they would risk being called hypocrites.

They would certainly be met with "Why did you vote for them?", "It's your fault" and "I told you so" type remarks.

[PatHead]

I will vote, always do and at this time I am considering a tactical Green vote to reduce the likelihood of UKIP getting a seat.

Not sure yet though

[Speedy]

Looks like the Danish are pretty keen on people voting :greengrin

(Not advised at work or in front of young children)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?annotation_id=annotation_1735291665&feature=iv&src_vid=gT4lhERDZ8s&v=q4iDnsS6wBY

[steakbake]

I'll vote and for the last few times, I've voted Green and through conviction instead of tactically...

[yeezus.]

Farage got absolutely slaughtered on LBC this morning.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pyYoL9ngtE#t=1307

[Moulin Yarns]

Remeber your vote counts.

The final Yougov Poll is frightening

http://yougov.co.uk/news/2014/05/22/ukip-and-labour-neck-and-neck/

[hibsbollah]

9 candidates on my ballot paper this morning, including Britain First, BNP, 'No to EU', and UKIP. I cant decide whether its a good thing that the loony right vote is so split, or its depressing that there is so much formal representation for them.

The remaining five parties Green Labour Tories Libs and SNP. So by nature of the number of voting options, the Conservative party is the 5th most right wing on offer, and therefore occupies the centre ground :dunno:

Strange times.

[Pretty Boy]

Waa an easy ballot paper to discount the candidates for me.

Britain First - Nope
BNP - Nope
No To Eu - Nope
UKIP - Nope
Conservatives - Nope
Lib Dems - Nope
SNP - voted for them in last Holyrood eletions but nope
Labour - possibly but nope
Greens - Yes. And with genuine conviction as opposed to as a protest.

[Haymaker]

There is a choice for the "Roman Party" on mine. Just one candidate, advocates ending injustice and better education opportunities. And more recognition to the benefits the Romans left on modern Britain.

Cool.

[CropleyWasGod]

There is a choice for the "Roman Party" on mine. Just one candidate, advocates ending injustice and better education opportunities. And more recognition to the benefits the Romans left on modern Britain.

Cool.

I'll be first.

What did the Romans ever do for us?

[Pretty Boy]

I see UKIPs #whyimvotingukip stunt on Twitter went well:

http://www.buzzfeed.com/alanwhite/21-reasons-people-on-twitter-say-theyre-voting-ukip?s=mobile

[speedy_gonzales]

9 candidates on my ballot paper this morning, including Britain First, BNP, 'No to EU', and UKIP. I cant decide whether its a good thing that the loony right vote is so split, or its depressing that there is so much formal representation for them.

Would we class NO2EU as loony right? They claim to have their roots in socialism and with heavy involvement from the RMT there's gonna be an element of anti-right wing,,,,,I would have thought?

Either way, I'm quite apathetic about this EU election, some good independents south of the border trying their best to protect NHS etc but for me the propaganda that was fired though my letterbox in the last couple of weeks done there level best to campaign for the EU whilst at the same time dragging the Scottish indy referendum in to it,,,,,

[hibby rae]

I voted Green earlier today and I've voted for them in the past. They always get my 2nd vote in the Scottish elections.

Here's a handy guide for any potential UKIP voters!:greengrin

http://www.thedailymash.co.uk/politics/politics-headlines/nigel-farages-guide-to-voting-ukip-2014052286833

[hibby rae]

Would we class NO2EU as loony right? They claim to have their roots in socialism and with heavy involvement from the RMT there's gonna be an element of anti-right wing,,,,,I would have thought?

Either way, I'm quite apathetic about this EU election, some good independents south of the border trying their best to protect NHS etc but for me the propaganda that was fired though my letterbox in the last couple of weeks done there level best to campaign for the EU whilst at the same time dragging the Scottish indy referendum in to it,,,,,


A lot of far right parties have certain socialist policies. For example, if you were to look at some BNP policies you would see how they target the working class vote.

[SHODAN]

Utterly horrifying that 3 out of the 8 possible choices on my ballot paper today (Britain First, BNP and UKIP) were all borderline far right.

[Beefster]

A lot of far right parties have certain socialist policies. For example, if you were to look at some BNP policies you would see how they target the working class vote.

No2EU was started by a left-wing union and includes the UK Communists. They're many things but far right isn't one of them.

[Billy Whizz]

Was at my local polling station this morning around 11am, no one was in there and only around 20 people had already voted. Looking like a very small turnout today

[SHODAN]

Was at my local polling station this morning around 11am, no one was in there and only around 20 people had already voted. Looking like a very small turnout today:

My friend and SNP campaigner told me much the same.

[marinello59]

Was at my local polling station this morning around 11am, no one was in there and only around 20 people had already voted. Looking like a very small turnout today

The parties didn't do much campaigning. I got a leaflet from Labour, one from the SNP and one from UKIP.(My 12 year old chucked UKIP's in the bin as soon as he saw it.) You would hardly know it was happening.
Held my nose and voted SNP.

[Speedy]

I think you'd get more interest if they introduced a negative vote. You get 1 vote for who you want in and 1 vote for who you don't want. And the final count will be the net of the two (think Crystal Maze :greengrin)

Most of the parties aren't trusted and people seem to have stronger views on who they don't want than who they do.

[Gatecrasher]

I didn't even get a voting card, I usually get one.

[Eyrie]

Voted that I would, but then forgot until I saw this thread.

And although there is still time to make it to the polling station I'm not bothered. I think this may be the first time I haven't voted.

[Future17]

I didn't even get a voting card, I usually get one.

Did you go along and vote anyway?

If you didn't, it might be worth a call to your local Electoral Registration Office (which will be Lothian VJB - 0131 344 2500) to check you are registered ahead of the referendum.

[Bishop Hibee]

I voted as always. The ongoing corruption in the EU and the undemocratic nature of the EU Commission makes me feel pretty unenthusiastic about it though.

[Hiber-nation]

I love voting, there's something really satisfying about strolling into a decrepit community centre, finding your street, scrolling down through the right-wing loonies that are after your vote and then writing down your big fat X and finally sticking the form into the plastic box....

[Bishop Hibee]

No2EU was started by a left-wing union and includes the UK Communists. They're many things but far right isn't one of them.

Supported by both the late Tony Benn and the late Bob Crowe. Some interesting well thought out arguments on Europe but not enough to make me vote for them.

[Sir David Gray]

Love how there's so many people on here classing UKIP as "far-right"!

[RyeSloan]

When will I be able to vote via an app? Seems sooo last century to have to get a card in the post, go to a polling station and use a pencil to scratch an x in the box (on a bit of paper ffs!) then put it in a padlocked box so someone has to manually count them out later!!

[yeezus.]

I voted first thing. It was horribly depressing to see Britain First, BNP and UKIP on the paper but there we go. Voted Labour unsurprisingly.

[hibsbollah]

Supported by both the late Tony Benn and the late Bob Crowe. Some interesting well thought out arguments on Europe but not enough to make me vote for them.

I suppose i should have said four of the parties are racist, anti immigrant or anti-EU, specifically. NotoEU are wrongheaded IMO, as much as I admired Tony Benn, I never agreed with him on Europe and would consider NotoEU a reactionary party.

[Haymaker]

I'll be first.

What did the Romans ever do for us?

Apparently a lot according to his manifesto!

Sadly it doesnt say they will bring back Gladiators or food/booze/sex orgies.

[givescotlandfreedom]

A lot of far right parties have certain socialist policies. For example, if you were to look at some BNP policies you would see how they target the working class vote.

That's miles wide of the mark in the case of no2eu

[Gatecrasher]

Did you go along and vote anyway?

If you didn't, it might be worth a call to your local Electoral Registration Office (which will be Lothian VJB - 0131 344 2500 (tel:0131 344 2500)) to check you are registered ahead of the referendum.
I didn't know I could vote without one normally they arrive in the post a few weeks before voting day.

[hibsbollah]

Love how there's so many people on here classing UKIP as "far-right"!

If it looks like an elephant, sounds like an elephant...

[Future17]

I didn't know I could vote without one normally they arrive in the post a few weeks before voting day.

Yeah, they normally do; they were all posted between Wednesday 30 April 2014 and Friday 2 May 2014 for this election. In theory there's no reason for you not to have received one so long as you are registered to vote. Are you friendly enough with any neighbours to ask them if they received their polling card? If it's a wider issue than just you, you should report it to the Local Returning Officer for your council area.

Either way, definitely check with your Electoral Registration Office to make sure you are registered before 2 September. Even if you are not in possession of your poll card, you can vote provided you are registered.

[yeezus.]

BBC Reaction

I'm sure everyone is busy watching the CL final but I found an interesting tweet in regards to the BBC's new found love in with UKIP.

"Just done some maths. UKIP have 157 councillors & 0 MPs. The Green Party have 163 councillors & 1 MP. Yet the BBC are sure UKIP is 4th party"

[NOLA]

off to vote now, aymeric chauprade for me

[Future17]

off to vote now, aymeric chauprade for me

He sounds like a controversial character.

[BarneyK]

BBC Reaction

I'm sure everyone is busy watching the CL final but I found an interesting tweet in regards to the BBC's new found love in with UKIP.

"Just done some maths. UKIP have 157 councillors & 0 MPs. The Green Party have 163 councillors & 1 MP. Yet the BBC are sure UKIP is 4th party"

In Hackney The Greens got 21% of the vote and no elected councillors. Lib Dems got 8% of the vote and 3. :rolleyes:

[Moulin Yarns]

Results starting to come in. Dundee has SNP 35% Labour 28% Green 18% Ukippers 2%

[hibsbollah]

FN the biggest party in France with 25%. It's a night for the bigots.

[yeezus.]

FN the biggest party in France with 25%. It's a night for the bigots.

Not in the UK, I think Nick Griffin lost his seat...?

[Pretty Boy]

Not in the UK, I think Nick Griffin lost his seat...?

He has.

SNP 1st, Labour 2nd, Tories 3rd in Aberdeen.

Labour beat SNP in Renfrewshire

Labour 1st, SNP wnd, Tories 3rd in Edinburgh.

[hibsbollah]

Not in the UK, I think Nick Griffin lost his seat...?

..but constituency by constituency, the BNP vote collapse has transferred directly to UKIP. Hardly surprising considering UKIPs rhetoric for the ladt few weeks. Labour, similarly, seem to be picking up disaffected lib dems.

[Future17]

22 of 31 of today's authorities have now declared. Looks like UKIP might get the 6th seat.

[yeezus.]

This is painful stuff listening to the E. Midlands declaration on the BBC's vote2014.

[Pretty Boy]

Early results in Scotland suggest a national share of the vote of:

SNP 29% -1%
Labour 26% +5%
Conservative 18% +1%
UKIP 10% +5%
Green 8% +1%
Lib Dem 7% -4%
All the others on 1% or less each.

[Future17]

Just waiting on 4.

[Pretty Boy]

Tories 1st in South Ayrshire, SNP 2nd and Labour 3rd.

[Future17]

About to declare the last of today's 31.

[Pretty Boy]

UKIP get a seat.

[The_Todd]

UKIP get a seat in Scotland, romp to 1st on the UK and Hibs are relegated.

What an awful, awful day.

[NOLA]

He sounds like a controversial character.
colourful and i suppose a tad controversial, he has charisma though, something underrated in politics

[yeezus.]

UKIP get a seat in Scotland, romp to 1st on the UK and Hibs are relegated.

What an awful, awful day.

:agree: Staying up for the election results has further deepened my upset.

[HibeeLR]

Was my first ever vote on Thursday, pretty disappointed to see UKIP getting a seat :(

[yeezus.]

Was my first ever vote on Thursday, pretty disappointed to see UKIP getting a seat :(

Good for you on going out and voting though. I've never missed a vote and never will :smug:

[Future17]

UKIP MEP talking uniformed, hyperbolic nonsense in his speech.

[Pretty Boy]

UKIP MEP talking uniformed, hyperbolic nonsense in his speech.

Standard UKIP member then?

[Future17]

Standard UKIP member then?

Seems so. His performance last night and today would be an embarrassment to most parties I would think.

[Hibs Class]

UKIP MEP talking uniformed, hyperbolic nonsense in his speech.

Black shirt, I assume?

[Future17]

:-)

Was purple IIRC. He spent last night referring to the SNP as the Scottish Country Dancing Party. I think I last heard that about 15 years ago.

[(((Fergus)))]

BBC didn't make much of the UKIP success although it did seem they picked the most unflattering pictures of Farage available. Mind you, with that puss, it's hard to look bonny at the best of times. Get the feeling the vote went against their wishes.

[Pretty Boy]

It's definitely going to be interesting to see if UKIPs success carries over to the next General Election.

European and council elections have always been notoriously difficult for the incumbent parties and have often seen hype and hysteria about small parties share of the vote, see the BNP a few years ago. It will be worth watching to see if UKIP can build on this and win a few seats next year.

Perosnally I think they will struggle to really build in the short term. Firstly the European and Council elections are notorious for people using protest votes. UKIP have a surprising number of ex Lib Dem voters, thats the pro EU Lib Dems, so it's fair to say some have used them as a protest. Secondly I think they have very little substance beneath the personality of Farage. Scratch below the surface and there has been a few examples of a nasty undercurrent of racism, xenophobia, sexism and homophobia. Can they really keep this type quiet for a year or so and rely on Farage to carry the party?

[yeezus.]

It's definitely going to be interesting to see if UKIPs success carries over to the next General Election.

European and council elections have always been notoriously difficult for the incumbent parties and have often seen hype and hysteria about small parties share of the vote, see the BNP a few years ago. It will be worth watching to see if UKIP can build on this and win a few seats next year.

Perosnally I think they will struggle to really build in the short term. Firstly the European and Council elections are notorious for people using protest votes. UKIP have a surprising number of ex Lib Dem voters, thats the pro EU Lib Dems, so it's fair to say some have used them as a protest. Secondly I think they have very little substance beneath the personality of Farage. Scratch below the surface and there has been a few examples of a nasty undercurrent of racism, xenophobia, sexism and homophobia. Can they really keep this type quiet for a year or so and rely on Farage to carry the party?

Personally I don't think UKIP will win a seat next year. If Nick Clegg stays with the Lib Dems they will be edging closer to total wipeout. Does anyone know what "target" seat Nigel Farage has picked yet? Most polls have them on around 13% according to UK Polling Report. They basically have a year to make a completely new manifesto given that Farage said the last one was bonkers.

[Pretty Boy]

Personally I don't think UKIP will win a seat next year. If Nick Clegg stays with the Lib Dems they will be edging closer to total wipeout. Does anyone know what "target" seat Nigel Farage has picked yet? Most polls have them on around 13% according to UK Polling Report. They basically have a year to make a completely new manifesto given that Farage said the last one was bonkers.

I reckon they will target somewhere in Essex or the East Midlands area.

[yeezus.]

I reckon they will target somewhere in Essex or the East Midlands area.

PB, what's your view on the Nick Clegg fiasco? Do you think he will step down before the General election?