Kmflett's Blog

Some observers of the Gorton and Denton By-Election organised by a reputable group Democracy Volunteers, have suggested that they saw instances of family voting on 26th February.

As a veteran of North London polling days I’d note and it has been correctly reported, that any issues on polling day need to be reported immediately to the Returning Officer to address. This was not done. Rather comments were made after the poll which look uncomfortably like Islamophobia. So much so that Farage has reported the matter to somebody or other (he does this a lot).

I’m not sure if the Democracy Volunteers were well meaning or in the Phil Ochs Love Me I’m a Liberal camp, but there is another issue.

The turn-out on Thursday was 47% despite a high profile campaign.

I’d suggest that thanks are due to:

1 Everyone who registered to vote

2 Everyone who had the correct ID to vote

3 Everyone who actually made it to the polling booths

Democracy depends on steps 1-3. Democracy Volunteers perhaps a little less so.

Postscript. A month long police investigation found no evidence of family voting. Farage of course does not accept the police verdict..