Forum Topic

Wandsworth Election Results - None of the above win again!

The none of the above party has made even more sweeping gains throughout the country than last time according to reports throughout the day.With voter turnout so low can any of the candidates really claim a true victory?What can be done to increase turnout?Perhaps we should have a none of the above candidates/party?Ideas welcome. The main parties seem to be happy with the current situation.If this was a strike ballot politicians would be queuing up to claim it invalid due to low turnout - should we not ask the same question with out local elections?

Ed Robinson ● 1137d15 Comments

That is a good point Jenny. I did notice that myself.Although some do give their full address many just state that they live in the borough.Although I can understand the reluctance to give full addresses - I wonder if the ballot indicated that they live in the ward where they are standing might might influence more people to vote?

Ed Robinson ● 1132d

I wanted to vote so went there, saw the candidates addresses for the party I had intended to vote for didn't live in my ward indeed one lived in Battersea.  So I left without voting for anyone.It matters to me to have local councillors.

Jenny Featherstone ● 1132d

The problem is simply stated by that old saw - it does not matter who you vote for the government always wins! - its why many voters often feel powerless and with some justice too, and hence do not vote.

Clifford Cowell ● 1132d

"41.24% was the turnout."None of the above win again :)If we were a serious democracy this would be the topic in the headlines.Probably it's me being cynical but I think the political parties are quite happy with the current situation.

Ed Robinson ● 1135d

4% lower turnout than in 2018.

David Ainsworth ● 1135d

Here it comes.  41.24% was the turnout.Leader of Wandsworth Council majority group promises a new start for the boroughhttps://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/news/news-april-2022/leader-of-wandsworth-council-majority-group-promises-a-new-start-for-the-borough/?utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery

Ivonne Holliday ● 1135d

Thank you Ed.  I'll keep looking and let you know if I find out.

Ivonne Holliday ● 1136d

Ivonne, I have been looking too but could not find it either.Looking back, previous years seem to be lower.

Ed Robinson ● 1136d

Hello Ed,Do you know what the turnout was?I have been looking for this information and I cannot find it.  All I can find is the number of seats gained.....Thank you.

Ivonne Holliday ● 1136d

Hello Matt,Perhaps Brexit is the answer?

Ivonne Holliday ● 1136d

Sounds like you just described David Cameron's 'Big Society'wonder what ever happened to that!

Matt Palmer ● 1136d

I don't remember learning anything about politics at school or at home.  I know that grandparents were involved in local communities but perhaps because of the more itinerant childhood of my siblings and I we didn't learn enough from them and I'm not aware of parental involvement.  In comparison I do remember learning something about different religions at school and being amazed and horrified by the attitudes of different Christians to each other.  We had visiting speakers for that - so maybe we needed that for politics?Him Indoors did have a mock party election in the 6th form which he remembers with amusement as there were attempts to game the system - something I later saw with teenagers attempting to get around the locks on school computers to get to banned websites just for the hell of it - the challenge.  They had fascists and communists well represented.When I was in the 6th form we didn't have AS levels and had chances to do some community work organised through school.  It would have been good to have been able to do more.Nowadays there seems to be so much more self-obsession - so much me-me-me and not enough community spirit.  Not enough sharing.  How do we encourage or keep encouraging a more outward looking, thoughtful and considerate population? 

Philippa Bond ● 1136d

When I went to the Brandlehow School, Fawe Park Road polling station just after midday yesterday I was the only person there apart from the officials. (I think one person was leaving when I was arriving and another arriving as I left.) 

Michael Ixer ● 1136d

The "A Plague on both your Houses" Party?

David Ainsworth ● 1136d

100% agree. I'd love to vote for none of the above.

Matt Palmer ● 1136d