Today's most viewed Complaints after postal ballot delays leave some unable to vote A delay in issuing postal ballots was having a knock-on effect across Scotland last night as voters complained they had been denied the right to take part in the Holyrood election.
Last week The Herald reported ballot papers in the Edinburgh, Aberdeenshire, Highland and Fife areas were delayed by a distribution problem with forms.
Yesterday it emerged voters in the west of the country had also been affected with election officials delivering papers with fewer than seven days to the vote.
Voters in Aberdeen, Ayrshire, Glasgow, Fife and East Dunbartonshire complained that their papers for the parliamentary elections had not arrived and they may be unable to vote.
John Breckinridge, from Milngavie, was one of those who complained. He said he was unable to register a vote for the first time in more than 40 years, as he is travelling to Singapore today and has not yet received his ballot paper. He said: "I have always voted, at every election and this is the first time I have applied for a postal vote.
| It is not acceptable in a democracy. I want my vote to be counted. | |
|
"It is now too late. I won't be here when it arrives. It is not acceptable in a democracy. I want my vote to be counted."
Church minister Colin Renwick, from Jordanhill in Glasgow, said he had lost the chance to vote after leaving the country to carry out work in Lebanon as convener of the Kirk's World Mission council. Before he left he told The Herald: "I am very disappointed and angry. I have voted at every election since I was 18 and I feel this is a particularly important election for Scotland.
"I did everything required of me but due to some administrative blip I will not be able to vote.
"The right to vote is not something that was lightly won. Now I am being denied that right, I can understand just how important it is." More than 120,000 postal ballot are understood to have been affected by the delays but it is not known how many are still to be received by voters.
Yesterday the country's councils, which administer the ballot forms, said all the postal votes had now been issued.
The Electoral Commission, which said it was aware of delays last week but not of further delays yesterday, said it had not received any complaints.
12:27am Tuesday 1st May 2007  Print  Email this  CommentPosted by: Mark, Glasgow on 10:38pm Mon 30 Apr 07 I know from a relative who works in Royal Mail that these items were still coming into their sorting offices on Saturday.
Its shocking that people who wish to vote cant exercise their democratic right. I know from a relative who works in Royal Mail that these items were still coming into their sorting offices on Saturday.
Its shocking that people who wish to vote cant exercise their democratic right. Posted by: BlooToon, Peterhead on 10:43pm Mon 30 Apr 07 And how we all mocked the USA for the problems they have had in running elections!
Add this to the inappropriate counting machines, lack of checks on postal votes (those that are received in time that is) and general lack of thoroughness in the whole adoption of electronic counting and we are looking at some real possible uproar come Thursday.
For anyone doubting that an SNP led administration can change things for the better this shambolic lack of respect for the democratic process (headed up by the "ach it'll do..." mob of a Lib-Dem/Labour coallition) shows they really can't do any worse. And how we all mocked the USA for the problems they have had in running elections!
Add this to the inappropriate counting machines, lack of checks on postal votes (those that are received in time that is) and general lack of thoroughness in the whole adoption of electronic counting and we are looking at some real possible uproar come Thursday.
For anyone doubting that an SNP led administration can change things for the better this shambolic lack of respect for the democratic process (headed up by the "ach it'll do..." mob of a Lib-Dem/Labour coallition) shows they really can't do any worse. Posted by: Argentocoxus, Caledonia on 11:02pm Mon 30 Apr 07 Hanging chad was the US problem. Not hanging Bliar, Brown and their cronies is the UK problem. Banana republic I think. Hanging chad was the US problem. Not hanging Bliar, Brown and their cronies is the UK problem. Banana republic I think. Posted by: John Pegron, London on 11:03pm Mon 30 Apr 07 I urge the SNP members to take action to prevent a repetition of a Florida 2000 election fiasco, they know that we are going to win, and they are going to use every dirty trick to try to prevent it. I also expect a terror alarm for late Wednesday or Thursday. Please stay alert and if you can take on Thursday the day off and become a monitor on your local poling station.
VOTA SNP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
www.snp.org
For uncensored news please go to:
otherside123.blogspot.com
www.takingaimradio.info
www.onlinejournal.com I urge the SNP members to take action to prevent a repetition of a Florida 2000 election fiasco, they know that we are going to win, and they are going to use every dirty trick to try to prevent it. I also expect a terror alarm for late Wednesday or Thursday. Please stay alert and if you can take on Thursday the day off and become a monitor on your local poling station.
VOTA SNP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
www.snp.org
For uncensored news please go to:
otherside123.blogspot.com
www.takingaimradio.info
www.onlinejournal.com Posted by: JC, Glasgow on 11:11pm Mon 30 Apr 07 [quote][bold]John Pegron[/bold] wrote:
I urge the SNP members to take action to prevent a repetition of a Florida 2000 election fiasco, they know that we are going to win, and they are going to use every dirty trick to try to prevent it. I also expect a terror alarm for late Wednesday or Thursday. Please stay alert and if you can take on Thursday the day off and become a monitor on your local poling station. VOTA SNP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! www.snp.org For uncensored news please go to: otherside123.blogspot.com www.takingaimradio.info www.onlinejournal.com[/quote] I am an SNP supporter and this is an idiotic post. John Pegron wrote:
I urge the SNP members to take action to prevent a repetition of a Florida 2000 election fiasco, they know that we are going to win, and they are going to use every dirty trick to try to prevent it. I also expect a terror alarm for late Wednesday or Thursday. Please stay alert and if you can take on Thursday the day off and become a monitor on your local poling station. VOTA SNP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! www.snp.org For uncensored news please go to: otherside123.blogspot.com www.takingaimradio.info www.onlinejournal.com I am an SNP supporter and this is an idiotic post. Posted by: Iain More, Moray on 11:27pm Mon 30 Apr 07 TO JC
There has also been problems with postal vote delivery in Moray as well! Also problems in Dumfries and Galloway!
This is starting to look sinister! So John Pegron may have a legitimate point. As some of the worst areas affected by delays will return a big SNP vote - missing votes could alter the result significantly!
We have seen too many instances of electoral fruad recently under Labours stewardship to be complacent about this! TO JC
There has also been problems with postal vote delivery in Moray as well! Also problems in Dumfries and Galloway!
This is starting to look sinister! So John Pegron may have a legitimate point. As some of the worst areas affected by delays will return a big SNP vote - missing votes could alter the result significantly!
We have seen too many instances of electoral fruad recently under Labours stewardship to be complacent about this! Posted by: Iain More, Moray on 11:32pm Mon 30 Apr 07 The response of the Electoral Commission does not inspire confidence in me! I detect complacency on thier part1 As this should not have been an issue days before an election!
They certainly need a good kick up the backside! They have not been doing thier job - that much is obvious! The response of the Electoral Commission does not inspire confidence in me! I detect complacency on thier part1 As this should not have been an issue days before an election!
They certainly need a good kick up the backside! They have not been doing thier job - that much is obvious! Posted by: Huntly loon, Gordon on 11:44pm Mon 30 Apr 07 They were not prepared for the large number of applications for postal votes. It's not as if they did not know an election would take place in May 2007. I don't blame the Scottish Executive for this as it is the Scotland Office in London which has responsibility in this matter. They were not prepared for the large number of applications for postal votes. It's not as if they did not know an election would take place in May 2007. I don't blame the Scottish Executive for this as it is the Scotland Office in London which has responsibility in this matter. Posted by: kris, Inverclyde on 11:57pm Mon 30 Apr 07 Members of my family only received their votes this morning in Inverclyde so it seems the problem of delayed deliveries is quite widespread. Members of my family only received their votes this morning in Inverclyde so it seems the problem of delayed deliveries is quite widespread. Posted by: Jimbo on Tue 1 May 07 You would think that the government of the day would make sure that everything about the elections was taken care of well in advance so that there can be no accusations of underhandedness going on.
At the last general election thousands of troops, especially those overseas were disenfranchised by this government who did not get their ballot papers out in time. This led to accusations by the servicemen that this had been purposely done because of the armed forces disaffection with New Labour. How many Scots will be disenfranchised at this election? You would think that the government of the day would make sure that everything about the elections was taken care of well in advance so that there can be no accusations of underhandedness going on.
At the last general election thousands of troops, especially those overseas were disenfranchised by this government who did not get their ballot papers out in time. This led to accusations by the servicemen that this had been purposely done because of the armed forces disaffection with New Labour. How many Scots will be disenfranchised at this election? Posted by: Gregor Addison, Scotland on 12:04am Tue 1 May 07 My father lives near Helensburgh, is 71 and has voted all his adult life. His postal vote - which he asked for because he has mobility problems - did not arrive until Saturday and at one point he was told he may have to go to Dumbarton to pick it up. He has since sent off his postal ballot and hopes it will arrive in time. It does strike me as leaving it a little late. I am sure there will be a significant number of people who lose their vote because of this. I don't know who is responsible but it should be thoroughly investigated to ensure it never happens again. We cannot spend a fortune trying to convince people to vote and then let them down. My father lives near Helensburgh, is 71 and has voted all his adult life. His postal vote - which he asked for because he has mobility problems - did not arrive until Saturday and at one point he was told he may have to go to Dumbarton to pick it up. He has since sent off his postal ballot and hopes it will arrive in time. It does strike me as leaving it a little late. I am sure there will be a significant number of people who lose their vote because of this. I don't know who is responsible but it should be thoroughly investigated to ensure it never happens again. We cannot spend a fortune trying to convince people to vote and then let them down. Posted by: Richard, Glasgow on 12:29am Tue 1 May 07 Well it looks like the conspirators have been at work here. This government must have a big problem with the polls, and we had the cheek to complain about George W Bush's election fiddles.
Lord protect us from this inept Labour mob.
They couldn't organise a **** up in a brewery.
Vote them out. Well it looks like the conspirators have been at work here. This government must have a big problem with the polls, and we had the cheek to complain about George W Bush's election fiddles.
Lord protect us from this inept Labour mob.
They couldn't organise a **** up in a brewery.
Vote them out. Posted by: Big D, Glasgow on 1:20am Tue 1 May 07 Let's hope there's nothing untoward about this - the failure to deliver postal ballots to the army at the last general election was fishy to say the least.
I remember a link elsewhere on these forums to an undercover article about postal voting fraud somewhere in England. Does anyone still have that link. All I remember was that it was a Labour candidate organising the fix-up.
Let's hope there'll be none of that on Thursday. Let's hope there's nothing untoward about this - the failure to deliver postal ballots to the army at the last general election was fishy to say the least.
I remember a link elsewhere on these forums to an undercover article about postal voting fraud somewhere in England. Does anyone still have that link. All I remember was that it was a Labour candidate organising the fix-up.
Let's hope there'll be none of that on Thursday. Posted by: Iain More, Moray on 1:22am Tue 1 May 07 I have known people who would walk 30 miles in driving rain and sleet to vote!Perhaps postal voting encorages lazieness about voting!
I have had someone say to me that if they believe in voting so mich then they should stay and vote in person! Same individual told me they once got up out of a hospital bed and drag themselves to the vote just 3 hours after an operation!
He does not have a lot of sympathy with those who vote postally for thier convenience as that opens the doors to fraudsters and tyrannts! I have known people who would walk 30 miles in driving rain and sleet to vote!Perhaps postal voting encorages lazieness about voting!
I have had someone say to me that if they believe in voting so mich then they should stay and vote in person! Same individual told me they once got up out of a hospital bed and drag themselves to the vote just 3 hours after an operation!
He does not have a lot of sympathy with those who vote postally for thier convenience as that opens the doors to fraudsters and tyrannts! Posted by: AG on 2:11am Tue 1 May 07 Hmm, still no voting papers for me. (Glasgow). Not a very happy bunny.
Hmm, still no voting papers for me. (Glasgow). Not a very happy bunny.
Posted by: Rona Wilkie, Oban on 5:08am Tue 1 May 07 I have not even received a letter to say that i was due a postal vote despite having applied for it. I now need to vote in Edinburgh where my vote wont be as useful given the nature of my seat. It is ridiculus. I have not even received a letter to say that i was due a postal vote despite having applied for it. I now need to vote in Edinburgh where my vote wont be as useful given the nature of my seat. It is ridiculus. Posted by: BM, Glasgow on 6:00am Tue 1 May 07 These delays are totall unnacceptable. The election should be declared null and void. It is not representative if so many voters atre preventing form registering their votes. Postal voters should be informed of their ballot paper has been registered. The incompetent beaurocrats, thew source of all this country's problemsd, shopuld be instantly dismissed without compensation, and prosecuted for perverting the course of democracy. These delays are totall unnacceptable. The election should be declared null and void. It is not representative if so many voters atre preventing form registering their votes. Postal voters should be informed of their ballot paper has been registered. The incompetent beaurocrats, thew source of all this country's problemsd, shopuld be instantly dismissed without compensation, and prosecuted for perverting the course of democracy. Posted by: Grace Barnes, Sydney on 6:04am Tue 1 May 07 I returned my form to register for a postal vote almost two months ago and have not received any ballot papers. It is the first time I will not have participated in an election and had such strong feelings about registering my protest this time around that I am bitterly disappointed I will not be able to do so. How can we encourage youngsters to be enthusiastic about duty to vote when they clearly see around them that one vote does not make a difference. I returned my form to register for a postal vote almost two months ago and have not received any ballot papers. It is the first time I will not have participated in an election and had such strong feelings about registering my protest this time around that I am bitterly disappointed I will not be able to do so. How can we encourage youngsters to be enthusiastic about duty to vote when they clearly see around them that one vote does not make a difference. Posted by: DM, Falkirk on 6:12am Tue 1 May 07 I only received paperwork through the door telling me how to register for a postal vote 24 hours before the deadline and had to fax it through as a postal reply would not have been received in time. I received acknowledgement of receipt by return, but nothing that allowed me to vote. Having been working in Germany for the last eight days and going on for another week in the Czech Republic I am also unable to vote. I find this totally unacceptable, and the Electoral Commission can be assured that they will have at least one complaint once I return to Scotland. This could be a ****-up, but with the track record of the Labour Party in Scotland over the last few years I am more inclined to believe that it is deliberate. I only received paperwork through the door telling me how to register for a postal vote 24 hours before the deadline and had to fax it through as a postal reply would not have been received in time. I received acknowledgement of receipt by return, but nothing that allowed me to vote. Having been working in Germany for the last eight days and going on for another week in the Czech Republic I am also unable to vote. I find this totally unacceptable, and the Electoral Commission can be assured that they will have at least one complaint once I return to Scotland. This could be a ****-up, but with the track record of the Labour Party in Scotland over the last few years I am more inclined to believe that it is deliberate. Posted by: Pure As, The Driven Snow on 8:12am Tue 1 May 07
The possibility of fraud on an unprecedented scale cannot be overlooked here.
PLEASE....PLEASE.........BE VIGILANT !!!
The possibility of fraud on an unprecedented scale cannot be overlooked here.
PLEASE....PLEASE.........BE VIGILANT !!! Posted by: CAL, Brussels on 8:43am Tue 1 May 07 When I phoned to complain that my voting papers had not arrived, I was advised to send my complaint in writing to the Returning Officer in Glasgow.
I now realise that I had no chance of receiving the papers on time if voters in Glasgow are still waiting, however, postal votes should not be presented as a valid option (and registrations accepted) if they cannot deliver! It would also be interesting to know how many votes will be lost as a result of this delay.
Since no satisfactory explanation has been forthcoming, I will put my complaint in writing and would consider any collective action which might have more impact. When I phoned to complain that my voting papers had not arrived, I was advised to send my complaint in writing to the Returning Officer in Glasgow.
I now realise that I had no chance of receiving the papers on time if voters in Glasgow are still waiting, however, postal votes should not be presented as a valid option (and registrations accepted) if they cannot deliver! It would also be interesting to know how many votes will be lost as a result of this delay.
Since no satisfactory explanation has been forthcoming, I will put my complaint in writing and would consider any collective action which might have more impact. Posted by: An Taghan, An Tir Iosal on 8:44am Tue 1 May 07 This is much worse for those casting a postal vote from outwith Scotland. Min has not yet in The Netherkands, and I'll not be able to vote. This is deliberate. Why weren't they out a month ago? Because those who work abroad are less likely to be insular, smal-minded Unionists and will vote Green/S.N.P. or the like. Who is to blame? Will they be held accountable? Can any action be taken? This is much worse for those casting a postal vote from outwith Scotland. Min has not yet in The Netherkands, and I'll not be able to vote. This is deliberate. Why weren't they out a month ago? Because those who work abroad are less likely to be insular, smal-minded Unionists and will vote Green/S.N.P. or the like. Who is to blame? Will they be held accountable? Can any action be taken? Posted by: John Pegron, London on 9:16am Tue 1 May 07 [quote][bold]An Taghan[/bold] wrote:
This is much worse for those casting a postal vote from outwith Scotland. Min has not yet in The Netherkands, and I'll not be able to vote. This is deliberate. Why weren't they out a month ago? Because those who work abroad are less likely to be insular, smal-minded Unionists and will vote Green/S.N.P. or the like. Who is to blame? Will they be held accountable? Can any action be taken?[/quote] Please stay alert and if you can take on Thursday the day off and become a monitor on your local polling station. You can also help by transporting those persons who have mobility problems.
VOTA SNP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
www.snp.org
For uncensored news please go to:
otherside123.blogspot.com
www.takingaimradio.info
www.onlinejournal.com An Taghan wrote:
This is much worse for those casting a postal vote from outwith Scotland. Min has not yet in The Netherkands, and I'll not be able to vote. This is deliberate. Why weren't they out a month ago? Because those who work abroad are less likely to be insular, smal-minded Unionists and will vote Green/S.N.P. or the like. Who is to blame? Will they be held accountable? Can any action be taken? Please stay alert and if you can take on Thursday the day off and become a monitor on your local polling station. You can also help by transporting those persons who have mobility problems.
VOTA SNP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
www.snp.org
For uncensored news please go to:
otherside123.blogspot.com
www.takingaimradio.info
www.onlinejournal.com Posted by: James Brown, Ayr on 9:19am Tue 1 May 07 Strange silence from AM, Jock Tamson's Bairn, Linda of Shettland, Derrick of North Isle, Sandra & Mike, Joyce and Dave of Govan, Claire of Dumfries, Angus of Western Isles, etc, etc., etc.
They've blamed every other ill on the SNP, why not this one? Strange silence from AM, Jock Tamson's Bairn, Linda of Shettland, Derrick of North Isle, Sandra & Mike, Joyce and Dave of Govan, Claire of Dumfries, Angus of Western Isles, etc, etc., etc.
They've blamed every other ill on the SNP, why not this one? Posted by: Doonhamer, Dumfries on 9:25am Tue 1 May 07 [quote][bold]Iain More[/bold] wrote:
TO JC There has also been problems with postal vote delivery in Moray as well! Also problems in Dumfries and Galloway! This is starting to look sinister! So John Pegron may have a legitimate point. As some of the worst areas affected by delays will return a big SNP vote - missing votes could alter the result significantly! We have seen too many instances of electoral fruad recently under Labours stewardship to be complacent about this![/quote] What a iodiotic comment and typical of the paranoid rump that are SNP activists. If it was Labour conspiracy it would hardly be happening in Dumfries where I haven't got my postal vote yet and you could count the number of NATs in one hand. Iain More wrote:
TO JC There has also been problems with postal vote delivery in Moray as well! Also problems in Dumfries and Galloway! This is starting to look sinister! So John Pegron may have a legitimate point. As some of the worst areas affected by delays will return a big SNP vote - missing votes could alter the result significantly! We have seen too many instances of electoral fruad recently under Labours stewardship to be complacent about this! What a iodiotic comment and typical of the paranoid rump that are SNP activists. If it was Labour conspiracy it would hardly be happening in Dumfries where I haven't got my postal vote yet and you could count the number of NATs in one hand. Posted by: Iain Brodie of Falsyde, HIGHLAND SEP on 9:57am Tue 1 May 07 Is this what Jack means when he talks about a [italic]"smart successful Scotland"[/italic] ? Any more of this and we would be in even bigger doo doos. Is this what Jack means when he talks about a "smart successful Scotland" ? Any more of this and we would be in even bigger doo doos. Posted by: Iain Brodie of Falsyde, HIGHLAND SEP on 10:04am Tue 1 May 07 POST SCRIPT. The journalist missed out Highland in his list of people not able to vote by post. Chief Returning Officer Arthur McCourt says the ballots are on their way and should arrive on Wednesday or Thursday, now tell me if I am wrong but is Thursday not actually polling day itself. There seem to be some 5,000 postal ballots none delivered here in the Highlands. Regardless of who these folk vote for in what is effectively the area in which I am standing fro the SEP these folk are absolutely entitled to express their voting rights. What validity will the result have on a tight vote if they are excluded?
Can we expect heads to role, YES, will they, NOT bloody likely again. POST SCRIPT. The journalist missed out Highland in his list of people not able to vote by post. Chief Returning Officer Arthur McCourt says the ballots are on their way and should arrive on Wednesday or Thursday, now tell me if I am wrong but is Thursday not actually polling day itself. There seem to be some 5,000 postal ballots none delivered here in the Highlands. Regardless of who these folk vote for in what is effectively the area in which I am standing fro the SEP these folk are absolutely entitled to express their voting rights. What validity will the result have on a tight vote if they are excluded?
Can we expect heads to role, YES, will they, NOT bloody likely again. Posted by: A real Doonhamer., Dumfries. DG1 on 10:15am Tue 1 May 07 [quote] Iain More wrote:
TO JC There has also been problems with postal vote delivery in Moray as well! Also problems in Dumfries and Galloway! This is starting to look sinister! So John Pegron may have a legitimate point. As some of the worst areas affected by delays will return a big SNP vote - missing votes could alter the result significantly! We have seen too many instances of electoral fruad recently under Labours stewardship to be complacent about this!
What a iodiotic comment and typical of the paranoid rump that are SNP activists. If it was Labour conspiracy it would hardly be happening in Dumfries where I haven't got my postal vote yet and you could.[/quote]
[italic]count the number of NATs in one hand[/italic]
hahahahahahahaha! Go on Doonhamer tell us how Elaine Murray's comments went down with the electorate when she suggested that pensioners could pay their council tax once they're deid!
Morgan will walk away with Nithsdale and Mike Russell is on course to overcome an [bold]8000[/bold] Murray majority.
Did you not hear the boos that Russell Brown got on Saturday when he tried to hijack the Crichton Campaign, oh and where was Elaine Murray. Labour are melting in the sunshine. Iain More wrote:
TO JC There has also been problems with postal vote delivery in Moray as well! Also problems in Dumfries and Galloway! This is starting to look sinister! So John Pegron may have a legitimate point. As some of the worst areas affected by delays will return a big SNP vote - missing votes could alter the result significantly! We have seen too many instances of electoral fruad recently under Labours stewardship to be complacent about this!
What a iodiotic comment and typical of the paranoid rump that are SNP activists. If it was Labour conspiracy it would hardly be happening in Dumfries where I haven't got my postal vote yet and you could.
count the number of NATs in one hand
hahahahahahahaha! Go on Doonhamer tell us how Elaine Murray's comments went down with the electorate when she suggested that pensioners could pay their council tax once they're deid!
Morgan will walk away with Nithsdale and Mike Russell is on course to overcome an 8000 Murray majority.
Did you not hear the boos that Russell Brown got on Saturday when he tried to hijack the Crichton Campaign, oh and where was Elaine Murray. Labour are melting in the sunshine. Posted by: Montford's Jaicket, Dubious Hues on 10:15am Tue 1 May 07 To paraphrase Reggie Perrin's brother-in-law Jimmy: "Slight ****-up on the ballot paper front" To paraphrase Reggie Perrin's brother-in-law Jimmy: "Slight ****-up on the ballot paper front" Posted by: Robert Higgins on 10:30am Tue 1 May 07 Can I ask, who controlled the printing and production of ballot papers. Where were the Scottish ballots printed and despatched from. Do they conform to legislation and has there been any political interference. Has anyone any answers? Can I ask, who controlled the printing and production of ballot papers. Where were the Scottish ballots printed and despatched from. Do they conform to legislation and has there been any political interference. Has anyone any answers? Posted by: GB on 10:47am Tue 1 May 07 As far as I'm aware it's a company called DRM and I imagine that the contract was tendered out within the last ten years. This is the first time there's been a problem on this scale in sending out papers and this is the first election that looks like Labour may lose, of course, I'm not suggesting there's a connection... As far as I'm aware it's a company called DRM and I imagine that the contract was tendered out within the last ten years. This is the first time there's been a problem on this scale in sending out papers and this is the first election that looks like Labour may lose, of course, I'm not suggesting there's a connection... Posted by: iang, Glasgow on 11:14am Tue 1 May 07 Evidence of Labours Electoral Fraud being passed to police and returning officer. Allegations surround postal votes.
http://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/section-item.asp?sid=12&iid=3419 Evidence of Labours Electoral Fraud being passed to police and returning officer. Allegations surround postal votes.
http://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/section-item.asp?sid=12&iid=3419 Posted by: colin, crombie on 11:16am Tue 1 May 07 i dont know who prints ballot papers etc but they are sent out by the returning officer for each constituency. Every candidate is entitled to send agents to the 'issuing of postal ballot papers' but very rarely do. I would suggest that they should, and should obtain a copy of the list of absent voters, to which they are entitled, and they should contact each person on that list to find out 1)if they actually exist! 2) was the ballot paper sent and 3) was any pressure put on them by Labour to cast the vote for them or did any Labour representative take the papers away 'to post them', as was the case in the Sunday Times article. As someone who was involved for a very long time I know it went on, but was difficult to gather evidence and rarely had an effect on the result. However the more they have gotten away with, they just keep pushing it, and now we see utterly ridiculous numbers of people voting by post. 1 in 6 voters in Ochil will be by post. It is obvious that nothing like that sort of number will either be too frail or on holiday. And watch out for sheltered housing; this is where Labour really clean up. All they need is to get the warden on side, and they will usually be reminded about who their Labour Council boss is. Candidates can also send people to attend the opening of the postal ballot box; a witness must testify that the person who cast the vote was the person entitled to do so. A big clue to voting fraud is that one person witnessed a number of different ballots, or that the witnesses are not local so are unlikely to be checked. I suggest they should be. i dont know who prints ballot papers etc but they are sent out by the returning officer for each constituency. Every candidate is entitled to send agents to the 'issuing of postal ballot papers' but very rarely do. I would suggest that they should, and should obtain a copy of the list of absent voters, to which they are entitled, and they should contact each person on that list to find out 1)if they actually exist! 2) was the ballot paper sent and 3) was any pressure put on them by Labour to cast the vote for them or did any Labour representative take the papers away 'to post them', as was the case in the Sunday Times article. As someone who was involved for a very long time I know it went on, but was difficult to gather evidence and rarely had an effect on the result. However the more they have gotten away with, they just keep pushing it, and now we see utterly ridiculous numbers of people voting by post. 1 in 6 voters in Ochil will be by post. It is obvious that nothing like that sort of number will either be too frail or on holiday. And watch out for sheltered housing; this is where Labour really clean up. All they need is to get the warden on side, and they will usually be reminded about who their Labour Council boss is. Candidates can also send people to attend the opening of the postal ballot box; a witness must testify that the person who cast the vote was the person entitled to do so. A big clue to voting fraud is that one person witnessed a number of different ballots, or that the witnesses are not local so are unlikely to be checked. I suggest they should be. Posted by: R James on 11:33am Tue 1 May 07 What a surprise! This govt. cannot do anything properly. What a surprise! This govt. cannot do anything properly. Posted by: jim Miller, New Zealand on 11:48am Tue 1 May 07 Papers arrived today -1st May - no way there is any way to return them from here! We missed out in the local elections last year as well. We will be complaining in writing about being disenfranchised!! Papers arrived today -1st May - no way there is any way to return them from here! We missed out in the local elections last year as well. We will be complaining in writing about being disenfranchised!! Posted by: Edward, Edinburgh on 12:03pm Tue 1 May 07 It is indeed a scandal that the postal votes have been delayed like this. Its tempting to blame certain organisations. It could be that it is down to sheer encompetence, which has been what the Labour led executive have been about for the last eight years.
Im not sure who produces the ballot papers themselves, someone mentioned a company called DRM. I do know that the company that is tasked with the counting machines is called DRS (any connection?) and that Neil Kinnock is a non executive director of DRS
For those currently abroad, who will not be able to vote due to this delay in postal ballots, I suggest you complain to the Electroral commission, with copy to the party that you would have voted for (the party can then follow that up as Im not to sure about the electroral commission)
For those in Scotland that are unable, through being unable to walk, I would suggest that neighbours who are able, provide assistance to transport them to the vote, as I understand that you are still able to vote It is indeed a scandal that the postal votes have been delayed like this. Its tempting to blame certain organisations. It could be that it is down to sheer encompetence, which has been what the Labour led executive have been about for the last eight years.
Im not sure who produces the ballot papers themselves, someone mentioned a company called DRM. I do know that the company that is tasked with the counting machines is called DRS (any connection?) and that Neil Kinnock is a non executive director of DRS
For those currently abroad, who will not be able to vote due to this delay in postal ballots, I suggest you complain to the Electroral commission, with copy to the party that you would have voted for (the party can then follow that up as Im not to sure about the electroral commission)
For those in Scotland that are unable, through being unable to walk, I would suggest that neighbours who are able, provide assistance to transport them to the vote, as I understand that you are still able to vote Posted by: bruce, sussex on 12:10pm Tue 1 May 07 take note Scotland, check out the sunday times article on the lab party in leeds rigging the postal vote take note Scotland, check out the sunday times article on the lab party in leeds rigging the postal vote Posted by: Alastair, Dumfries on 12:48pm Tue 1 May 07 Real Doonhamer, I'd heard tell that Mike Russell was doing exceptionally well in Dumfries. I've always thought of this as a Labour/Tory marginal with the SNP in third place some way behind. Frankly I'd be amazed if the SNP took Dumfries based on recent history, but local Tory canvassers have said that they're findings on the doorsteps show the SNP in a winning position. That is quite astonishing and suggests that the national result may be beyond our wildest dreams. Mike Russell is an excellent candidate and way above the other parties' candidates in ability. He would make an excellent representative for our area, long ovedue after the Labour and Tory nonentities have failed to fight for this area for decades. Real Doonhamer, I'd heard tell that Mike Russell was doing exceptionally well in Dumfries. I've always thought of this as a Labour/Tory marginal with the SNP in third place some way behind. Frankly I'd be amazed if the SNP took Dumfries based on recent history, but local Tory canvassers have said that they're findings on the doorsteps show the SNP in a winning position. That is quite astonishing and suggests that the national result may be beyond our wildest dreams. Mike Russell is an excellent candidate and way above the other parties' candidates in ability. He would make an excellent representative for our area, long ovedue after the Labour and Tory nonentities have failed to fight for this area for decades. Posted by: iang, Glasgow on 12:48pm Tue 1 May 07 [quote][bold]bruce[/bold] wrote:
take note Scotland, check out the sunday times article on the lab party in leeds rigging the postal vote[/quote] Evidence of Labours Electoral Fraud being passed to police and returning officer. Allegations surround postal votes.
http://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/section-item.asp?sid=12&iid=3419 bruce wrote:
take note Scotland, check out the sunday times article on the lab party in leeds rigging the postal vote Evidence of Labours Electoral Fraud being passed to police and returning officer. Allegations surround postal votes.
http://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/section-item.asp?sid=12&iid=3419 Posted by: Alastair, Dumfries on 12:50pm Tue 1 May 07 AAArgh. Excuse the appalling typo, "they're" instead of "their". I would edit it to correct the error but you can't on this forum. AAArgh. Excuse the appalling typo, "they're" instead of "their". I would edit it to correct the error but you can't on this forum. Posted by: Annonymoose, China on 12:52pm Tue 1 May 07 I registered for my postalballot in plenty of time, and gues what it didnt arrive. For the first time in over 25 years, I have not managed to ensure my home breaks coincided with polling day, so had to register for a postal vote.
What an absolute farce. I wanted my vote to be counted, at this, probably the most important election in many generations.
There is of course, no chance of delaying the vote. Perhaps a separate set of first and second choice candidates could be posted for postal voters, that way even late papers wouldnt matter.
To all MSP's, (and Westminster MP's) , we the people, want you our elected representatives, to take note. WE WANT TO BE HEARD. WE WANT OUR VOTE TO COUNT. I registered for my postalballot in plenty of time, and gues what it didnt arrive. For the first time in over 25 years, I have not managed to ensure my home breaks coincided with polling day, so had to register for a postal vote.
What an absolute farce. I wanted my vote to be counted, at this, probably the most important election in many generations.
There is of course, no chance of delaying the vote. Perhaps a separate set of first and second choice candidates could be posted for postal voters, that way even late papers wouldnt matter.
To all MSP's, (and Westminster MP's) , we the people, want you our elected representatives, to take note. WE WANT TO BE HEARD. WE WANT OUR VOTE TO COUNT. Posted by: Stevo, Borders on 1:06pm Tue 1 May 07 The Electoral Commission's website states:
"The Electoral Commission is an [bold]independent body[/bold] , accountable directly to the UK Parliament, that regulates elections in the UK, promotes voter awareness....." etc.
I agree with those who accuse the election organisers of a measure of incompetence on the postal votes issue, but those rabid SNP supporters on here who seem to be suggesting electoral fraud on a grand scale is beyond belief. What about those Labour voters who's postal votes are delayed. Get a grip!.
Last minute jitters starting to appear amongst the SNP methinks. The Electoral Commission's website states:
"The Electoral Commission is an independent body , accountable directly to the UK Parliament, that regulates elections in the UK, promotes voter awareness....." etc.
I agree with those who accuse the election organisers of a measure of incompetence on the postal votes issue, but those rabid SNP supporters on here who seem to be suggesting electoral fraud on a grand scale is beyond belief. What about those Labour voters who's postal votes are delayed. Get a grip!.
Last minute jitters starting to appear amongst the SNP methinks. Posted by: Alan Hogg, Malaga on 1:14pm Tue 1 May 07 I voted by prozy when I realised that I was coming here. As far as I was aware, (check voting forms), all proxy votes have to ve registerd by tomorrow a nd all postla votes by last wednesday, I voted by prozy when I realised that I was coming here. As far as I was aware, (check voting forms), all proxy votes have to ve registerd by tomorrow a nd all postla votes by last wednesday, Posted by: Montford's Jaicket, On A Shoogly Peg on 1:23pm Tue 1 May 07 According to this article - and the comments thereto - the list of places where local returning officers are failing to do their job extends almost nationwide. 2 sentiments; one is [bold]despair[/bold] that these incompetents are in place and one is [bold]hope[/bold] that this is not a conspiracy of some kind.
My son - a student in Dundee - has an exam on Thursday so he applied for a postal vote in Aberdeen in good time. So far he has received a confirmation letter but no form. As it is now mid day on May 1, can I assume he has effectively lost the right to vote this time round? We ought to extend the closing time for postal votes by a week! According to this article - and the comments thereto - the list of places where local returning officers are failing to do their job extends almost nationwide. 2 sentiments; one is despair that these incompetents are in place and one is hope that this is not a conspiracy of some kind.
My son - a student in Dundee - has an exam on Thursday so he applied for a postal vote in Aberdeen in good time. So far he has received a confirmation letter but no form. As it is now mid day on May 1, can I assume he has effectively lost the right to vote this time round? We ought to extend the closing time for postal votes by a week! Posted by: Derek, Glasgow on 1:43pm Tue 1 May 07 All my family got their ballot papers last Tuesday and were returned the following day by post excellent service. All my family got their ballot papers last Tuesday and were returned the following day by post excellent service. Posted by: LEGION, ALBA on 1:53pm Tue 1 May 07 TUESDAY 1st MAY ODDS
BET 365 SNP 1.22 LAB 3.75 (SNP 1-4 LAB 4-1)
PADDYPOWER SNP 2-9 LAB 13-5
BETFAIR SNP 0.28/1 LAB 2.6/1 (SNP 1-4 LAB 5-1)
WILL HILL SNP 1.33 LAB 3.25 (SNP 1-3 LAB 7-2)
LADBROOKES SNP 2-7 LAB 11-4
THE BOOKIES ARE SAYING THE GEMME'S A BOGEY TUESDAY 1st MAY ODDS
BET 365 SNP 1.22 LAB 3.75 (SNP 1-4 LAB 4-1)
PADDYPOWER SNP 2-9 LAB 13-5
BETFAIR SNP 0.28/1 LAB 2.6/1 (SNP 1-4 LAB 5-1)
WILL HILL SNP 1.33 LAB 3.25 (SNP 1-3 LAB 7-2)
LADBROOKES SNP 2-7 LAB 11-4
THE BOOKIES ARE SAYING THE GEMME'S A BOGEY Posted by: Alastair, Aberdeen on 2:09pm Tue 1 May 07 [quote][bold]Stevo[/bold] wrote:
The Electoral Commission's website states: "The Electoral Commission is an [bold]independent body[/bold] , accountable directly to the UK Parliament, that regulates elections in the UK, promotes voter awareness....." etc. I agree with those who accuse the election organisers of a measure of incompetence on the postal votes issue, but those rabid SNP supporters on here who seem to be suggesting electoral fraud on a grand scale is beyond belief. What about those Labour voters who's postal votes are delayed. Get a grip!. Last minute jitters starting to appear amongst the SNP methinks. [/quote] [bold]Stevo:[/bold] this is tosh, as well you know. I assume from your post you're a Labour man. Whether you're a Party Member is neither here nor there to me. You can guess from my posting that I'm voting SNP. For the record I'm not a Party Member, never have been, so that's all out in the open. Anyway, regards your point, last minute jitters etc, this sort of thing has a peculiar habit of occurring only when the party in power or tipped for power is in danger of losing its grip on said power. ALWAYS. There is no exception to this rule. The anecdotal evidence is far too strong to make this merely a co-incidence. Take the US for example. The Republicans were at one point tipped for power, but saw it slipping away. What happened? All those postal votes that went missing were for the Democrat Party. Other boxes containing postal votes turned up in public toilets. They were all in areas of strong Democrat voting patterns. Therefore as the SNP are gaining all over the country, even in Labour strongholds, [bold]AND[/bold] the ex-pat Scots are more likely to vote SNP, [bold]AND[/bold] questions have been raised about New Labour's (or members of New Labour) probity in this matter in the past, it is not unreasonable to raise it again. Whatever the case, even if New Labour is completely cleared of any wrongdoing, the results of the election are open to challenge if a significant number of postal ballot papers in marginal areas have gone missing.
The bottom line is, it is just not good enough for ballot papers to go missing like this. It discredits the entire election process. Stevo wrote:
The Electoral Commission's website states: "The Electoral Commission is an independent body , accountable directly to the UK Parliament, that regulates elections in the UK, promotes voter awareness....." etc. I agree with those who accuse the election organisers of a measure of incompetence on the postal votes issue, but those rabid SNP supporters on here who seem to be suggesting electoral fraud on a grand scale is beyond belief. What about those Labour voters who's postal votes are delayed. Get a grip!. Last minute jitters starting to appear amongst the SNP methinks. Stevo: this is tosh, as well you know. I assume from your post you're a Labour man. Whether you're a Party Member is neither here nor there to me. You can guess from my posting that I'm voting SNP. For the record I'm not a Party Member, never have been, so that's all out in the open. Anyway, regards your point, last minute jitters etc, this sort of thing has a peculiar habit of occurring only when the party in power or tipped for power is in danger of losing its grip on said power. ALWAYS. There is no exception to this rule. The anecdotal evidence is far too strong to make this merely a co-incidence. Take the US for example. The Republicans were at one point tipped for power, but saw it slipping away. What happened? All those postal votes that went missing were for the Democrat Party. Other boxes containing postal votes turned up in public toilets. They were all in areas of strong Democrat voting patterns. Therefore as the SNP are gaining all over the country, even in Labour strongholds, AND the ex-pat Scots are more likely to vote SNP, AND questions have been raised about New Labour's (or members of New Labour) probity in this matter in the past, it is not unreasonable to raise it again. Whatever the case, even if New Labour is completely cleared of any wrongdoing, the results of the election are open to challenge if a significant number of postal ballot papers in marginal areas have gone missing.
The bottom line is, it is just not good enough for ballot papers to go missing like this. It discredits the entire election process. Posted by: iang, Glasgow on 2:51pm Tue 1 May 07 "The bottom line is, it is just not good enough for ballot papers to go missing like this. It discredits the entire election process."
The above is the what matters, discrediting the electoral system, IF Labour do win, and I do not concede that they have no chance even though I support the SNP,then the means by which they win will come into question. The fact that in England West Yorkshire Police are already looking for evidence collected by a Times undercover reporter in very similar ciscumstances to those surrounding Mr sarwar will obviously put the result in doubt. "The bottom line is, it is just not good enough for ballot papers to go missing like this. It discredits the entire election process."
The above is the what matters, discrediting the electoral system, IF Labour do win, and I do not concede that they have no chance even though I support the SNP,then the means by which they win will come into question. The fact that in England West Yorkshire Police are already looking for evidence collected by a Times undercover reporter in very similar ciscumstances to those surrounding Mr sarwar will obviously put the result in doubt. Posted by: Scot, Glasgow on 2:59pm Tue 1 May 07 [bold]How can anyone want to give this corrupt New Labour government another chance or ruling Scotland?[/bold]
They have done nothing but talk down to the people of Scotland during this election campaign.
Since the Union can be saved in 2010, what has Scotland got to loose by voting for the SNP this Thursday? Nothing.
I read in a quality broadsheet newspaper recently that all the best Labour politicians aspire to be and want to be in Westminster. Whereas, the best SNP politicians aspire to be and want to be in Holyrood.
This results in the poorest ones being left in Scottish Labour.
Draw your own conclusions, but this can only mean that the calibre of a politician in the SNP is higher than the calibre of a politician in Scottish Labour.
Lets give the SNP the chance to prove themselves in Government. We may be pleasently surprised.
How can anyone want to give this corrupt New Labour government another chance or ruling Scotland?
They have done nothing but talk down to the people of Scotland during this election campaign.
Since the Union can be saved in 2010, what has Scotland got to loose by voting for the SNP this Thursday? Nothing.
I read in a quality broadsheet newspaper recently that all the best Labour politicians aspire to be and want to be in Westminster. Whereas, the best SNP politicians aspire to be and want to be in Holyrood.
This results in the poorest ones being left in Scottish Labour.
Draw your own conclusions, but this can only mean that the calibre of a politician in the SNP is higher than the calibre of a politician in Scottish Labour.
Lets give the SNP the chance to prove themselves in Government. We may be pleasently surprised.
Posted by: Mick Craig, Oxford on 4:00pm Tue 1 May 07 I'm registered for a postal vote in West Dunbartonshire. My ballot papers still have not arrived, and after a lot of badgering of WDC they finally sent new papers out to me last night. They still have not come, so it looks very doubtful that I'll be able to get them back to Scotland on time.
However, after moaning at my council a bit more, I've found out that I may be able to appoint an emergency proxy to vote for me on Thursday.
To all those with missing ballot papers <b>DEMAND to speak to your returnig officer and they may allow you to appoint an emergency proxy, given the nature of the mess-up</b> I'm registered for a postal vote in West Dunbartonshire. My ballot papers still have not arrived, and after a lot of badgering of WDC they finally sent new papers out to me last night. They still have not come, so it looks very doubtful that I'll be able to get them back to Scotland on time.
However, after moaning at my council a bit more, I've found out that I may be able to appoint an emergency proxy to vote for me on Thursday.
To all those with missing ballot papers <b>DEMAND to speak to your returnig officer and they may allow you to appoint an emergency proxy, given the nature of the mess-up</b> Posted by: mark, Glasgow on 4:05pm Tue 1 May 07 [quote][bold]LEGION[/bold] wrote:
TUESDAY 1st MAY ODDS BET 365 SNP 1.22 LAB 3.75 (SNP 1-4 LAB 4-1) PADDYPOWER SNP 2-9 LAB 13-5 BETFAIR SNP 0.28/1 LAB 2.6/1 (SNP 1-4 LAB 5-1) WILL HILL SNP 1.33 LAB 3.25 (SNP 1-3 LAB 7-2) LADBROOKES SNP 2-7 LAB 11-4 THE BOOKIES ARE SAYING THE GEMME'S A BOGEY [/quote] The game has been up for over a week now. Nothing can change it now and teh position for NuLab is a lot worse than even the polls show. LEGION wrote:
TUESDAY 1st MAY ODDS BET 365 SNP 1.22 LAB 3.75 (SNP 1-4 LAB 4-1) PADDYPOWER SNP 2-9 LAB 13-5 BETFAIR SNP 0.28/1 LAB 2.6/1 (SNP 1-4 LAB 5-1) WILL HILL SNP 1.33 LAB 3.25 (SNP 1-3 LAB 7-2) LADBROOKES SNP 2-7 LAB 11-4 THE BOOKIES ARE SAYING THE GEMME'S A BOGEY The game has been up for over a week now. Nothing can change it now and teh position for NuLab is a lot worse than even the polls show. Posted by: Me on 4:36pm Tue 1 May 07 The problem seems to be that this year they gave people until 18 April to register as candidates - less than 2 weeks to polling day. Surely given that the campaign has been officially 4 weeks long, all candidates should register before the campaign, thus giving 4 weeks to send the forms out and get them returned. For Westminster elections, candidate details are I think due in 3 weeks before the polls. The problem seems to be that this year they gave people until 18 April to register as candidates - less than 2 weeks to polling day. Surely given that the campaign has been officially 4 weeks long, all candidates should register before the campaign, thus giving 4 weeks to send the forms out and get them returned. For Westminster elections, candidate details are I think due in 3 weeks before the polls. Posted by: Oscar, Dumfropolis on 6:07pm Tue 1 May 07 Alastair 12.48 pm, terrible typo!
Excellent news from the Tory campaigners. I am hugely surprised that Murray Tosh has decided to stand again. His wife only recently died and the poor feller doesn't seem to have his heart in it.
Mike Russell satnds head and shoulders above the rest of the candidates, one of whom tyold me that every time he sees, "Mike in action, he learns a little bit more about how to be a politician."
Russell will be a shoe in for any SNP executive, hopefully with that power he can focus on returning the pride to Dumfries. Remember it's less than ten years since it was voted the best town to live in Britain... Alastair 12.48 pm, terrible typo!
Excellent news from the Tory campaigners. I am hugely surprised that Murray Tosh has decided to stand again. His wife only recently died and the poor feller doesn't seem to have his heart in it.
Mike Russell satnds head and shoulders above the rest of the candidates, one of whom tyold me that every time he sees, "Mike in action, he learns a little bit more about how to be a politician."
Russell will be a shoe in for any SNP executive, hopefully with that power he can focus on returning the pride to Dumfries. Remember it's less than ten years since it was voted the best town to live in Britain... Posted by: Ex-patriate NL, Den Haag on 7:10pm Tue 1 May 07 To clarify the position go to the votescotland website. You can find the following form from which I quote below:
http://www.aboutmyvote.co.uk/documents/Combined-Overseas-Registration-Postal-And-Proxy-Forms-SC.pdf
"As an overseas voter, you are eligible to vote in
elections for the UK Parliament and the European
Parliament. [bold]You cannot vote in UK local or mayoral
elections, or elections to the Scottish Parliament[/bold] , the
National Assembly for Wales or the London Assembly"
To clarify the position go to the votescotland website. You can find the following form from which I quote below:
http://www.aboutmyvote.co.uk/documents/Combined-Overseas-Registration-Postal-And-Proxy-Forms-SC.pdf
"As an overseas voter, you are eligible to vote in
elections for the UK Parliament and the European
Parliament. You cannot vote in UK local or mayoral
elections, or elections to the Scottish Parliament , the
National Assembly for Wales or the London Assembly"
Posted by: Huntly loon, Gordon on 8:31pm Tue 1 May 07 I think this postal ballots fiasco is completely unacceptable. Those who have been denied their right to vote should consider raising an action of interdict against the appropriate returning officer stopping him declaring a result until an appropriate opportunity is given for all postal votes be collected and counted. I also feel that they should vb counted separately from polling station votes so that the party percentages can be compared and investigated. If a particular party receives a disproportionate share of postal votes compared with the others a full scrutiny should be made and if need be, the result set aside and a new election called overseen by international observers. I think this postal ballots fiasco is completely unacceptable. Those who have been denied their right to vote should consider raising an action of interdict against the appropriate returning officer stopping him declaring a result until an appropriate opportunity is given for all postal votes be collected and counted. I also feel that they should vb counted separately from polling station votes so that the party percentages can be compared and investigated. If a particular party receives a disproportionate share of postal votes compared with the others a full scrutiny should be made and if need be, the result set aside and a new election called overseen by international observers. Posted by: Stuart Elsey, Aberdeen on 11:42pm Tue 1 May 07 4 times I phoned to ask where my ballot papers were only to be told "I don't know who is organising it sir".
Thankfully my papers arrived on Saturday and I voted and decided to go to the local sorting office and hand it in there so I know it is at the Post Office.
Regardless of who people support this is a disgraceful state of affairs, I know of many people who went offshore on Friday and will miss their democratic right.
Would be interesting to see what would happen if some constituency results were as close as 10 votes and there were still papers at the Post Office or in pst boxes - can results be altered later? 4 times I phoned to ask where my ballot papers were only to be told "I don't know who is organising it sir".
Thankfully my papers arrived on Saturday and I voted and decided to go to the local sorting office and hand it in there so I know it is at the Post Office.
Regardless of who people support this is a disgraceful state of affairs, I know of many people who went offshore on Friday and will miss their democratic right.
Would be interesting to see what would happen if some constituency results were as close as 10 votes and there were still papers at the Post Office or in pst boxes - can results be altered later? Posted by: Iain More!, Moray on 11:51pm Tue 1 May 07 I do not think it is any accident that many of the ares that have postal vote delays are areas where the SNP is set to do very well indeed!
Statements from the electoral commision give me no confidence in this election!They just dont seem to rcognise that there many voters who will not get chance to vote now - so they have not been doing there job! If they have not been doing thier job how can the electorate have any confidence in the election!
If Labour gets more than 30% of vote or more then I think that all the other political groups should cry foul because as far as I am concerned it will not be credible!
Opinion polls can be wrong but but Labour always underperfoms on its opinion poll ratings!
Also canvas returns can act as a double check and if there are wide discrepencies then fraud is likely to be the answer!
Also to the misbegotten individual who accused me of being an SNP activist well I am not, I have to work long hours to make a living!
I just hapen to like the idea of my taxes going to build Scotlands future and not to conducting illegal wars and replenishing UKs stock of WMDs. To name 2 things I dont want to see my taxes spent on1 The third being - my taxes funding a possibly fraudulent election - How many will not get to vote!?
I did not know that Mike Russell was doing so well in Dumfries but I expected Morgan to be back in Galloway! I hope Mike Russell gets elected not because he is a SNP man but because he is an able man who could contribute much to building the kind of Scotland that we deserve to have! I do not think it is any accident that many of the ares that have postal vote delays are areas where the SNP is set to do very well indeed!
Statements from the electoral commision give me no confidence in this election!They just dont seem to rcognise that there many voters who will not get chance to vote now - so they have not been doing there job! If they have not been doing thier job how can the electorate have any confidence in the election!
If Labour gets more than 30% of vote or more then I think that all the other political groups should cry foul because as far as I am concerned it will not be credible!
Opinion polls can be wrong but but Labour always underperfoms on its opinion poll ratings!
Also canvas returns can act as a double check and if there are wide discrepencies then fraud is likely to be the answer!
Also to the misbegotten individual who accused me of being an SNP activist well I am not, I have to work long hours to make a living!
I just hapen to like the idea of my taxes going to build Scotlands future and not to conducting illegal wars and replenishing UKs stock of WMDs. To name 2 things I dont want to see my taxes spent on1 The third being - my taxes funding a possibly fraudulent election - How many will not get to vote!?
I did not know that Mike Russell was doing so well in Dumfries but I expected Morgan to be back in Galloway! I hope Mike Russell gets elected not because he is a SNP man but because he is an able man who could contribute much to building the kind of Scotland that we deserve to have! Posted by: RETIRED....... but still switched on, Fed Up To The Teeth on 8:50am Wed 2 May 07 New voting system?
Electronic vote counting?
Hmmm !!!
BE VIGILANT New voting system?
Electronic vote counting?
Hmmm !!!
BE VIGILANT Posted by: Marian, Edinburgh on 8:50am Wed 2 May 07 VOTE FOR NEW LABOUR AND ITS CANDIDATES IF YOU WANT TO CONTINUE TO BE A LOSER or VOTE (X) FOR ALEX SALMOND AS FIRST MINISTER AND VOTE (X) FOR YOUR SCOTTISH NATIONAL PARTY CONSTITUENCY CANDIDATE IF YOU WANT TO BE A WINNER!
Those who vote for New Labour will waken up on 4 May in the same provincial backwater of the UK which is of little interest to the Westminster based political parties except when they need its abundant natural resources and its MP's to prop up an ailing UK New Labour government; where telling lies to the people and accepting bribes for honours is considered to be acceptable by New Labour and its media supporters; to more of the same chronic dependency culture, low achievement, and low self-esteem that has characterised and bedevilled Scotland since the Union 300 years ago; more high taxation that stifles private businesses and punishes those on low incomes in order to benefit high earners; where there is no separate economic policy uniquely tailored for Scotland's needs; where storing hundreds of nuclear warheads close by to Glasgow and Edinburgh but not London is considered acceptable; where building new nuclear power stations is OK despite the fact that Scotland has bountiful safer greener alternatives; that is part of a UK that has post-imperial delusions that making war should be its only foreign and energy policy and carelessly sends its troops to war inadequately trained and equipped as cannon fodder.
Those who vote for Alex Salmond as First Minister and the Scottish National Party regional constituency candidates will waken up 4 May to a new hope for a better future for themselves and the children of Scotland; where hard work will begin from 4 May to eradicate Scotland's dependency culture, low achievement, and low self-esteem in an invigorated nation where politicians tell them the truth always and which in time will become another quietly self-confident, vibrant, and very successful nation like its similarly endowed near neighbours e.g Ireland, Norway, Denmark, etc ; to a land where the high taxation on private business will gradually be reduced to stimulate growth and the regressive and unfair Council Tax which penalises low earners will be replaced with a local income tax based upon ability to pay; where there will be a separate economic policy uniquely tailored for Scotland for the first time in order to stimulate and grow our economy thus putting Scotland First; where Scotland will assert itself and mean it when it says NO to storing nuclear weapons and building new nuclear power stations on its soil; and where in time Scotland will have the opportunity to vote to rid itself of the Union and its post-imperial delusions.
DON'T WASTE YOUR VOTES ON ANY OTHER PARTY – VOTE SNP EVERY TIME ON 4 MAY! VOTE FOR NEW LABOUR AND ITS CANDIDATES IF YOU WANT TO CONTINUE TO BE A LOSER or VOTE (X) FOR ALEX SALMOND AS FIRST MINISTER AND VOTE (X) FOR YOUR SCOTTISH NATIONAL PARTY CONSTITUENCY CANDIDATE IF YOU WANT TO BE A WINNER!
Those who vote for New Labour will waken up on 4 May in the same provincial backwater of the UK which is of little interest to the Westminster based political parties except when they need its abundant natural resources and its MP's to prop up an ailing UK New Labour government; where telling lies to the people and accepting bribes for honours is considered to be acceptable by New Labour and its media supporters; to more of the same chronic dependency culture, low achievement, and low self-esteem that has characterised and bedevilled Scotland since the Union 300 years ago; more high taxation that stifles private businesses and punishes those on low incomes in order to benefit high earners; where there is no separate economic policy uniquely tailored for Scotland's needs; where storing hundreds of nuclear warheads close by to Glasgow and Edinburgh but not London is considered acceptable; where building new nuclear power stations is OK despite the fact that Scotland has bountiful safer greener alternatives; that is part of a UK that has post-imperial delusions that making war should be its only foreign and energy policy and carelessly sends its troops to war inadequately trained and equipped as cannon fodder.
Those who vote for Alex Salmond as First Minister and the Scottish National Party regional constituency candidates will waken up 4 May to a new hope for a better future for themselves and the children of Scotland; where hard work will begin from 4 May to eradicate Scotland's dependency culture, low achievement, and low self-esteem in an invigorated nation where politicians tell them the truth always and which in time will become another quietly self-confident, vibrant, and very successful nation like its similarly endowed near neighbours e.g Ireland, Norway, Denmark, etc ; to a land where the high taxation on private business will gradually be reduced to stimulate growth and the regressive and unfair Council Tax which penalises low earners will be replaced with a local income tax based upon ability to pay; where there will be a separate economic policy uniquely tailored for Scotland for the first time in order to stimulate and grow our economy thus putting Scotland First; where Scotland will assert itself and mean it when it says NO to storing nuclear weapons and building new nuclear power stations on its soil; and where in time Scotland will have the opportunity to vote to rid itself of the Union and its post-imperial delusions.
DON'T WASTE YOUR VOTES ON ANY OTHER PARTY – VOTE SNP EVERY TIME ON 4 MAY! Posted by: RabMac, FOR AMODERNSCOTLAND on 8:59am Wed 2 May 07 [quote][bold]Oscar[/bold] wrote:
Alastair 12.48 pm, terrible typo! Excellent news from the Tory campaigners. I am hugely surprised that Murray Tosh has decided to stand again. His wife only recently died and the poor feller doesn\'t seem to have his heart in it. Mike Russell satnds head and shoulders above the rest of the candidates, one of whom tyold me that every time he sees, \"Mike in action, he learns a little bit more about how to be a politician.\" Russell will be a shoe in for any SNP executive, hopefully with that power he can focus on returning the pride to Dumfries. Remember it\'s less than ten years since it was voted the best town to live in Britain...[/quote] Re Mike Russell
..and an excellent book co-authored by Mike Russell with Iain McKie on the Shirley McKie.
A very good..but disturbing read on machiavellian antics in high places !!!
Electoral jiggery-pokery.....Nae Bother tae these folks !!
Be careful, and ever watchful !! Oscar wrote:
Alastair 12.48 pm, terrible typo! Excellent news from the Tory campaigners. I am hugely surprised that Murray Tosh has decided to stand again. His wife only recently died and the poor feller doesn\'t seem to have his heart in it. Mike Russell satnds head and shoulders above the rest of the candidates, one of whom tyold me that every time he sees, \"Mike in action, he learns a little bit more about how to be a politician.\" Russell will be a shoe in for any SNP executive, hopefully with that power he can focus on returning the pride to Dumfries. Remember it\'s less than ten years since it was voted the best town to live in Britain... Re Mike Russell
..and an excellent book co-authored by Mike Russell with Iain McKie on the Shirley McKie.
A very good..but disturbing read on machiavellian antics in high places !!!
Electoral jiggery-pokery.....Nae Bother tae these folks !!
Be careful, and ever watchful !! Posted by: Martin, Glasgow on 9:47am Fri 4 May 07 Hi,
I still haven't received my postal voting forms, where do I complain too? Hi,
I still haven't received my postal voting forms, where do I complain too? Posted by: Paul Britton, chiswick london on 9:52am Fri 4 May 07 I received nothing in the form of notification I could vote? I am fuming, I have the right to vote and was denied it by no notification. I received nothing in the form of notification I could vote? I am fuming, I have the right to vote and was denied it by no notification. Posted by: tom brown, Angus, Scotland on 10:57pm Fri 7 Dec 07 Scotland will not become independent for the following reasons: it is part of the united kingdom not sovereignty part of the united kingdom latest opinion polls were 47%, Scotland benefits from the wealth in the united kingdom and the power, The people are happy as it is. Becoming independant could cause conflicts, and the government of the unitedkingdom does not agree with scotlands independence.
8th December 2007 Scotland will not become independent for the following reasons: it is part of the united kingdom not sovereignty part of the united kingdom latest opinion polls were 47%, Scotland benefits from the wealth in the united kingdom and the power, The people are happy as it is. Becoming independant could cause conflicts, and the government of the unitedkingdom does not agree with scotlands independence.
8th December 2007 | 
