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What does the (apparently) high turnout mean for the LDs?

May 6th, 2010 Posted in Liberal Democrats, UK Politics by

pollingstationFrom media reports and anecdotal experiences, it seems as if turn-out is going to be notably high today. Voting at around 8am this morning, I had to queue for 20 minutes. Upon leaving, the queue was three times longer than when I’d arrived.

Disorganisation seemed partly to blame, but there seems little doubt that people are skipping along to the polling stations in higher numbers than in recent GEs.

Typically this is said to favour Labour, whose voters are often less committed to the old ballot-crossing than their Tory counterparts. As West Hampstead now turns from chilly grey to a bright elucidation of colour, the prospect of a sunny May day could, as it’s also argued, increase turn-out further.

So what does this mean for the Lib Dems? It probably depends on the kind of seat up for grabs.  In the genuinely three-way Hampstead & Kilburn,  there seems a sufficient amount of Lib Dem support in the less salubrious areas, and among young people,  to suggest that it could aid our cause.

Many (tired) eyes will be on my little corner of the world come 4am tomorrow morning, when we’ll discover if Ed Fordham has successfully outed the acerbic south Londoner and ex-thespian Glenda Jackson.

This evening Liberal Vision will be bringing you all the latest news on this blog, and via Twitter.

Don’t forget to track us to see how things are going.

Touch wood for NOM, folks…

7 Responses to “What does the (apparently) high turnout mean for the LDs?”

  1. Ross Says:

    I’ve only lived in my current constituency for two years so this is the first time I’ve voted here for a General Election. I voted at 8am with my partner who has lived here for a number of years and according to her it was more busy than usual.

    My area is a relatively safe Conservative seat, although the LDs have increased their share of the vote over the past two elections and in 2005 were running in 2nd place. The old MP is standing down – I think due to the expenses scandal – so the Tories have a new man in place. So it will be interesting to see what happens here. Has there been a surge here for LD voters or have the Tory faithful come out in full force to ensure an outright Tory victory?

    My guess is that the Tories will get a slim overall majority because I feel they have managed enough to scare the floating voter into voting Conservative with the, “Vote Clegg, get Brown” message. I’m still hopeful that Labour will be beaten into third with the share of vote.


  2. Bernard Salmon Says:

    Anecdotal reports seem to suggest decent turnout from younger voters, and that undecided voters seem to be breaking more for the Lib Dems than other parties. Could be a very interesting night ahead.


  3. burkesworks Says:

    It’s a good turnout so far here in Bradford East, well up on expectations, and from what I’m hearing it seems pretty good in other parts of the country too (just been reading Mike Smithson’s report from Bedford, where we’ve a sporting outside chance after the recent successful mayoral election)


  4. Frank Little Says:

    Glenda Jackson is not a Sarf Lunnoner, she is from Cheshire!


  5. Julian H Says:

    Sure, but she lives in saaaaf London.


  6. Ross Says:

    Well Glenda has just held her seat. Huge swing for the Tories.


  7. Ross Says:

    Oh, and I was up to see Zac Goldsmith has take Richmond from the LDs!!!!!!!!