General Election

[dave1948]

Just received a tweet from the local police saying they were visiting all the Polling Stations.

When I queried their response was that it was a national obligation.

Seems to me that there is no need for this at times when police time is valuable.

Anyone know whether it is a requirement or not ? My own thought would be that they should be available if there is an incident which requires police involvement -no different to any other similar sin elsewhere.

[Old_Geezer]

Surely they were visiting to cast their vote.

Some do think of it as a 'National Obligation', others know better ;-)

[mikey4444]

Well, the Plods need to vote as well you know dave !

[naomi24]

I'm not sure about a national obligation but, as a matter of course, they usually look in on anything significant that's happening in a community.

[zebo]

Are party activists allowed to stand outside the Polling Station and harangue people entering? My daughter lives in Scotland, as she was approaching the building there were a number of people with rosettes and leaflets, she said Good morning to them and got a mouthful from the SNP representative. Is this legal?

[SeaJayPea]

I'm pretty sure that years ago there had to be a police officer, in uniform, at every polling station.

[Old_Geezer]

Probably insufficient Plods on the beat to spare for door duty.

I don't think party activists are likely to have any different rules for the general public. One may talk to you, but it is impolite to give a "mouthful".