MPs sign up to 'save' election night

14th October 2009

Nearly 70 MPs have signed an early day motion calling on returning officers to stick with the tradition of counting the votes on election night.

The motion was tabled by Labour MPs Tom Harris and Geraldine Smith and is backed by Conservative chairman Eric Pickles, Plaid Cymru's Elfyn Llwyd and MPs from all parties.

Some returning officers, the local council officials responsible for the vote counts in individual constituencies, have indicated they wish to postpone the count until the morning after the election.

Television coverage usually begins as soon as the polls close at 10.00pm and carries on through the night as results are declared.

The early day motion has been signed by 68 MPs so far.

It states: "That this House is concerned at reports that growing numbers of returning officers are considering postponing the counting of votes cast on the day of the general election until the day after polling;

"Believes that in the 21st century it would be a regressive move not to announce constituency results as early as possible;

"Further believes that public confidence in the results could be undermined by delays in the counting of ballot papers and that fewer voters would be able to watch the results being announced if this were done on a Friday afternoon;

"And calls on local authorities throughout the United Kingdom to ensure that all ballot papers are counted immediately after the close of polls on general election night, as has been the practice in previous general elections."

On Facebook, a campaign group called "Save general election night" has recruited more than 5,000 members.

It was founded by Lib Dem blogger Mark Pack, Tory blogger Jonathan Isaby and Labour MP and blogger Tom Harris.

"The Sunday Times suggests that as many as a quarter of local authorities could end up holding a Friday count," the group states.

"The paper names Newcastle-upon-Tyne as a prime example, but it is understood that much of Norfolk, West Yorkshire and maybe all of Cornwall could count on the Friday, with it under consideration in a number of other areas, including much of north west England."

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