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Disappointing turnout for election
8:02pm Friday 2nd May 2008
Comments (61)RESIDENTS voted with their bottoms not their feet in Thursday's election as they chose the sofa over the ballot box.
Turnout across the 20 wards up for election was only 29.59 per cent - down more than four per cent from last year's figure of 33.8 per cent and significantly worse than the 2006 figure of 34.42 per cent and the 2004 showing of 32.7 per cent. Election manager Sally Sprason said: "The turnout was down on the 2004 equivalent - I'm not sure if that's to do with e-voting or if it's general apathy.
"We did a lot of promotion in Parks ward and you can see the result of that in the turnout, which was three per cent higher.
"It's difficult to pinpoint a reason why people don't vote.
"Generally if there are big issues people do come out to vote."
Sally said that she was pleased with how the night had gone.
She said: "There were a few hiccups with the postal voting, just because of the new system there, but in general things went quite smoothly."
In spite of gains for Labour in Central and the Tories in Parks, the make-up of the council remains the same as before the election.
The Conservatives have 43 seats to Labour's 12.
Stan Pajak's victory means that the Lib Dem's continue to have three seats, while David Glaholm, whose seat was not up for election, is the only independent.
l Your election views: Page 14 There are now five new councillors, after their victories on Thursday.
Labour's Jim Grant held the Western seat for his party, while Vera Tomlinson ensured that Abbey Meads remained a Conservative ward and Kevin Parry did the same in Dorcan.
Graham Cherry triumphed in Parks to win the former Labour seat for the Tories, while in a straight swap Junab Ali nabbed Central for Labour.
Barring defections or resignations this structure will remain until the next elections in 2010.
Your Say YourSwindon Advertiser
logical, Swindon says...
11:48pm Fri 2 May 08
neilswindonuk, Swindon says...
12:22am Sat 3 May 08
S.LT, swindon says...
12:45am Sat 3 May 08
jack the rippler, east 17 says...
12:49am Sat 3 May 08
Or maybe we were all too busy earning a living or we had to take the day of work to look after our children because the infant and primary school was shut to make way for these elections. How about holding elections on a Bank Holiday and not lose a days full wage? I do hope that the government will compensate for my loss of earnings. I didn't want to take the day off, I had no choice. And before anybody says that "it was your choice to have children". Well, who will vote in the future if we didn't? Immigrants?
In the first paragraph the Adver managed to slip-in:-
Bottom
Box
Election.
born and bred, Swindon says...
2:18am Sat 3 May 08
amlorusso, Swindon says...
4:01am Sat 3 May 08
But I would say this -there are no excuses. Anybody can choose not to vote, that's fine, that's their right. What isn't their right is to whine about the reason they didn't vote, especially the worst reason of all - it will make no difference.
Robert Feal-Martinez, Swindon says...
8:10am Sat 3 May 08
BWB, SWINDON says...
8:16am Sat 3 May 08
Or maybe we were all too busy earning a living
Who works 15 hours a day now?. The Ballot box was open 7.0Am-10Pm. No excuse at all for not voting.
Just sheer lazyness.
Bet they can find time and money to go to the pub.
Pathetic fools.
Robert Feal-Martinez, Swindon says...
9:04am Sat 3 May 08
Phoenix One UK, Swindon says...
9:49am Sat 3 May 08
The reason people don't vote had been voiced over a number of sites. That is, any vote is a wasted vote.
The people have no confidence in any of the Parties. Note the Tories did not win. Labour lost.
Robert Feal-Martinez, Swindon says...
10:51am Sat 3 May 08
Mick out West, West Swindon says...
11:07am Sat 3 May 08
Swindonbloke, Swindon says...
11:19am Sat 3 May 08
Robert Feal-Martinez, Swindon says...
11:25am Sat 3 May 08
Donkey, Swindon says...
12:03pm Sat 3 May 08
On leaving the Polling Station, each elector collects a ten pound note ... in these days of money, money, money ... the turnout would immediately double! The people of this country will do almost anything for a quick buck ... let's face it, why did so many Labour supporters not bother to vote ... because they feel they are not making as much as the well-healed are at the moment in the UK, and of course they are quite right!
Many Conservatives seem to vote out of principle ... Labour supporters, opposite to what has been said about my traditional voting trends, are not quite so loyal, even when their party needs them.
Shame on you Labour supporters who could not be bothered ... well done to the Tories who ALWAYS support their unfaltering beliefs, regardless of whether their party have anything to offer or not!
Robin Harris, Swindon says...
12:50pm Sat 3 May 08
AllyD, swindon says...
12:57pm Sat 3 May 08
Frontier(s), says...
4:47pm Sat 3 May 08
I noticed there was hardly any canvessing went on in my street in Central ward ,We had no Leaflets or people knocking
That particular ward had already been won in a slightly different manner.
Donkey wrote:
let's face it, why did so many Labour supporters not bother to vote
Hilarious. Labour get utterly destroyed at the polls yet people still pretend it was because all the Labour voterd stayed at home!
That just shows the total 'head in the sand' mentality of a party that nobody in this country wants anything to do with.
Labour came a poor third, nationally, and polled almost half what most of the Tory councillors did in nearly all Swindon wards.
Labour supporters should look very closely at the type of wards they win in these days - it's quite disturbing when you think about the implications.
Donkey, Swindon says...
6:28pm Sat 3 May 08
"Labour supporters should look very closely at the type of wards they win in these days - it's quite disturbing when you think about the implications."
Are you some kind of BNP person in disguise?
I live in Western and we have THREE Labour Councillors and there is hardly a high foreign presence here!
Exactly what you are implying is quite clear, and sadly, it shows a very poor attitude towards one's fellow human beings.
The Conservatives are just as keen to attract votes from any quarter ... in fact they even had a plumber as a candidate in an unlikely area ... and he won ... looking like an ordinary sort of person ... no suit and tie being worn as I recollect?
Let me guess ... the next thing you will suggest is a class factor ... Tories win Lawns because there are fine upstanding, right wing, pure white, wealthy individuals living there!
doug@homefarm, SN1 says...
6:52pm Sat 3 May 08
There is no excuse for not voting if you want to vote (apart from the obvious, sickness or accident on polling day) we all new it was May 1st. My daughter in London is permanantly in a wheel chair and her polling station is not very accesable, and she also has a demanding job. She got a postal vote, anyone can do this!
Robert Feal-Martinez, Swindon says...
7:14pm Sat 3 May 08
doug@homefarm, SN1 says...
7:25pm Sat 3 May 08
Robert Feal-Martinez, Swindon says...
7:44pm Sat 3 May 08
doug@homefarm, SN1 says...
7:58pm Sat 3 May 08
doug@homefarm, SN1 says...
7:59pm Sat 3 May 08
Donkey, Swindon says...
8:06pm Sat 3 May 08
Fine, upstanding, pure white, wealthy individuals were spotted surrounding the Lawns and Abbeymeads and so on, at their respective counting positions.
I'm not exactly racialist, we have to live with a modern day situation, and I can't go along with the line of thought from the earlier correspondent, it's racially motivated and not really anything more than an Enoch Powell type of talk.
Incidentally, the postal votes were not so broadly encouraged this time around, I felt? Doug's daughter has proven that her democratic right should not be impeded and my very best wishes to her.
All the same, back to track, I really do feel that many of those who abstained have very short and selective memories. This Government may have over-taxed in some areas, but the distribution of top-up monies to those who really need it is to be commended. The other lot have NEVER given to the poorly paid or limited income people of this country.
Taxation allows countries to function ... ALL Governments HAVE to do it.
On a local note ... and that is the crux of the matter ... our Tory levied Council Tax level is not so hot when one breaks it down into the fact that 42% of it annually is not needed ... Quote, The Conservatives ... yet they still charge us all what they despised Labour for!
Robert Feal-Martinez, Swindon says...
8:17pm Sat 3 May 08
doug@homefarm, SN1 says...
8:24pm Sat 3 May 08
Robert Feal-Martinez wrote:Fair point!
Doug, we are quite busy but I have this ability to be multi-tasking, one learns that when one doesn't have a pay master and a nine to five job, as I am sure your know.
jo-ent, Swindon says...
9:02pm Sat 3 May 08
Of course it is anybody's right not to vote. But if you don't vote, then don't ever EVER complain about council tax, recycling, parking, traffic, litter, the canal, graffiti, anti-social behaviour, over-development or dog pooh on the pavement. You have given up your right to do so.
And before you say 'I pay my taxes...'. No. That's not good enough. You should vote for the people who decide how to pay your taxes. If you don't, you have no right to complain about how they're spent. No excuses.
In summary: Didn't vote? Don't complain. End of.
P S Altery, Swindon says...
11:06pm Sat 3 May 08
Donkey wrote:Sorry Eyore, your party got thrashed because it does not listen. There comes a time when every Labour Govt gets exposed for it's
Big Mac (Frontier)writes ... more racial insinuations ... "Labour supporters should look very closely at the type of wards they win in these days - it's quite disturbing when you think about the implications." Are you some kind of BNP person in disguise? I live in Western and we have THREE Labour Councillors and there is hardly a high foreign presence here! Exactly what you are implying is quite clear, and sadly, it shows a very poor attitude towards one's fellow human beings. The Conservatives are just as keen to attract votes from any quarter ... in fact they even had a plumber as a candidate in an unlikely area ... and he won ... looking like an ordinary sort of person ... no suit and tie being worn as I recollect? Let me guess ... the next thing you will suggest is a class factor ... Tories win Lawns because there are fine upstanding, right wing, pure white, wealthy individuals living there!
gross mismanagement. For Gordon Brown read Jim Callaghan. Sorry sunshine, it's over for Labour in England, and probably, and thankfully for good
Frontier(s), says...
12:54am Sun 4 May 08
You want to talk cynicism? Talk to the Labour candidate in the Central ward. While you are at it, as you clearly don't know how it works, you might like to read up on how 'democracy' works amongst people from other cultures. It's not quite a case of everyone voting for who they prefer.
Mind you, given the absolute drubbing your beloved Labour/Stalinist party just received, it doesn't surprise me in the slightest that you're so quick to throw the 'racism' card around - like a little child who didn't get his own way.
How very sad. How very Labour.
Thankfully, your party - and it's silly supporters - are about to be consigned to the wilderness once more.
As the rest of us look on, smile and cheer.
Don't hurry back now!
jack the rippler, east 17 says...
1:58am Sun 4 May 08
BWB wrote:I've only just logged in. And had a look at recent comments posted toward my own comment. I would have joined in earlier with my own personal views but I was working. I could not work on Thursday (due to the elections) and I could not work the Thursday prior (due to a teachers strike). This is why I work a 16 hr day on a Saturday, to make up for my loss of earnings during the past two weeks. Thank the government for May Day, I may be able to have a couple of extra hours in my pit.
J T R Said Or maybe we were all too busy earning a living Who works 15 hours a day now?. The Ballot box was open 7.0Am-10Pm. No excuse at all for not voting. Just sheer lazyness. Bet they can find time and money to go to the pub. Pathetic fools.
As for pathetic fools. Don't even consider to class me. Your the one who taps in at 8:16 am having a rant. Was it a bad night last night? or havn't you met your good friend reality?
Some people get on with life, no matter what it throws at them.
If your living on the edge, you're taking up too much room.
What have you got a doctors note for? Stress or a bad back?
No! Your just scared of a bit of hard graft.
As the saying goes "don't bring your own troubles to work". Have some backbone and fight your inner demons. We can get through this together (but not in a gay way).
PeeGee, Swindon says...
8:39am Sun 4 May 08
Robert Feal-Martinez, Swindon says...
9:25am Sun 4 May 08
BWB, SWINDON says...
10:08am Sun 4 May 08
jack the rippler wrote:Your Diatribe was
BWB wrote: J T R Said Or maybe we were all too busy earning a living Who works 15 hours a day now?. The Ballot box was open 7.0Am-10Pm. No excuse at all for not voting. Just sheer lazyness. Bet they can find time and money to go to the pub. Pathetic fools.I've only just logged in. And had a look at recent comments posted toward my own comment. I would have joined in earlier with my own personal views but I was working. I could not work on Thursday (due to the elections) and I could not work the Thursday prior (due to a teachers strike). This is why I work a 16 hr day on a Saturday, to make up for my loss of earnings during the past two weeks. Thank the government for May Day, I may be able to have a couple of extra hours in my pit. As for pathetic fools. Don't even consider to class me. Your the one who taps in at 8:16 am having a rant. Was it a bad night last night? or havn't you met your good friend reality? Some people get on with life, no matter what it throws at them. If your living on the edge, you're taking up too much room. What have you got a doctors note for? Stress or a bad back? No! Your just scared of a bit of hard graft. As the saying goes "don't bring your own troubles to work". Have some backbone and fight your inner demons. We can get through this together (but not in a gay way).
nonsensicle.
And hardly worth dignifying with a reply.
Posted by: jack the rippler, east 17 on 1:58am today.
Bit early Rippler.
I Too Could Be a Councillor, Swindon says...
1:41pm Sun 4 May 08
It won't make any difference
There's nobody worth voting for
All councillors are out of touch....
At least make the trip to the polloing booth, and write your feelings on the voting slip. All councillors are ..... (whatever?). The paper is then counted as a destroyed paper (or a vote for a better local government).The percentage of voters is then higher, you've released your feelings, and the people that gave their lives for our right to vote are not undermined.
By contrast, not bothering to vote simply reassures the smug politicians that they can walk all over us, and we won't bother about it
PeeGee, Swindon says...
2:18pm Sun 4 May 08
Robert Feal-Martinez wrote:EU, Reform Treaty, Blah, Blah, Blah. Overall, percentage of votes in Swindon? (Don't distort figures by using that 3rd place claim). Overall percentage nationally? Overall percentage in the London mayoral elections? A bunch of right wing dissendents with no broad agenda (even after reading the drivel on the website). The truth is that UKIP will only ever gain through the apathy of the electorate. Low turnouts are their best friend at election time.
PeeGee, I think perhaps it is you who could be described as one dimensional, if you haven't bothered to look at UKIP's full 'policy documents'. It's quite easy you know you go to UKIP.org, but I guess like a lot of people it is easier to believe the media than find out for yourself. I am more than happy to Educate you. Better still why not come to one of our meetings. Swindon UKIP are far from 'nutters', we are the only group that is telling the truth over the EU and it's affect on the local community. We have two PPC's for the Conservatives that believe there should be a referendum on the Reform Treaty which is good, and I applaud them for that. However they both know that Cameron will not allow a retrospective Referendum if the Tories are elected, and yet they are still prepared to stand for election. Just a little dishonest don't you think.
RFM, let me guess. You are ex-Conservative? Dismayed with centrist policies? Needed a home for stronger right wing beliefs?
A recent poll asked peoples priorities when voting. Eurpoe was not even on the list. Of course you could just carry on educating the ignorant masses, such as myself. But that's a little self-righteous (you may call it saving the nation).
doug@homefarm, SN1 says...
5:07pm Sun 4 May 08
Well Big Mac, you've just described yourself to a 'T', and if Donkey retired (through ill health I believe) at 53 whats your point? or are you jealous that you have to keep working?
Donkey, Swindon says...
5:19pm Sun 4 May 08
His description of me is rather a distance away from the reality, but whatever.
The insinuations were very clear and the implications were driven by a rather nasty comparison, I feel?
Anyway, a Bank Holiday tomorrow, let's hope the sun shines on the righteous!
Robert Feal-Martinez, Swindon says...
5:36pm Sun 4 May 08
Frontier(s), says...
5:43pm Sun 4 May 08
doug@homefarm wrote:Doug, I expected a little bit better from you than:
'Like so many of your kind, ie, white, middle-class, you have no idea what racism is. You simply hijack a serious social problem to make cheap, miguided jibes and try to steal the moral high ground. Ironically, it just makes you look dim, exploitative and actually rather unpleasant.' Well Big Mac, you've just described yourself to a 'T', and if Donkey retired (through ill health I believe) at 53 whats your point? or are you jealous that you have to keep working?
"No, YOU are"
Although, on second thoughts, no, I didn't really.
The point about retiring at 53 is that it makes a person's comments about supporting the working classes slightly ironic. No doubt you are unable to see that though.
It wasn't me who immediately played the race card, it was, as usual, Donkey. A man who constantly and unceasingly attempts to 'win' his argument by calling anyone who disagrees with him a 'racist' or 'nasty'.
A person is only acceptable to Donkey if they fall in line with the red agenda that he does. That he cannot see his own, astounding, bigotry just highlights the problem even further.
I have no idea why I'm pointing this out to somebody who has Stalin as a political hero. Talk about misguided.
Frontier(s), says...
5:46pm Sun 4 May 08
Donkey, for the record, I don't even know you, so how can I possibly dislike you?
I feel sorry for you, but that's something different altogether.
Frontier(s), says...
6:10pm Sun 4 May 08
Anyway, a Bank Holiday tomorrow, let's hope the sun shines on the righteous!
I'm currently enjoying Boris beating Commie Ken and Labour getting the kicking they so richly deserve from the exceptionally sunny and hot climes of Northern San Francisco.
The sun's been shining down on me all week long my friend.
P S Altery, Swindon says...
2:39am Mon 5 May 08
doug@homefarm wrote:Middle class, schoolboy lefties, the class of 1968, looking down their noses at ordinary people. It's over Doug. The era of the bloated state pushing people around, and giving very poor value for money is finished. Power to the people, I really believe that. Power to the people and get rid of the man from Whitehall, and the politician on the Gravy train. Let people organise their own lives and get the state off their backs!
'Like so many of your kind, ie, white, middle-class, you have no idea what racism is. You simply hijack a serious social problem to make cheap, miguided jibes and try to steal the moral high ground. Ironically, it just makes you look dim, exploitative and actually rather unpleasant.' Well Big Mac, you've just described yourself to a 'T', and if Donkey retired (through ill health I believe) at 53 whats your point? or are you jealous that you have to keep working?
doug@homefarm, SN1 says...
8:31am Mon 5 May 08
Well psaltry I have no prblem with that either. However I was never a middle class schoolboy, leftie yes. Being born before 1950 I had left school in 1968. It will no doubt ammuse you in 68 I was a longhaired hippy and proffesional musician
Donkey, Swindon says...
11:56am Mon 5 May 08
Bass guitar and vocals ... long hair, droopy tash, until the barnet turned into a rather wide parting!
Those were the days ... values were specific not greed, greed, greed as it is today! Sad ain't it?
Did you play in this area very often?
Frontier(s), says...
3:50pm Mon 5 May 08
tinyurl.com/3zryvx
Time this odious criminal was ousted from power I think.
He's been encouraging people to sponge off the state and decent, hard working people from his early youth - so it's no surprise what he's done since being PM.
His quote about the welfare state is highly illuminating. Even he has no idea why it exists, can't believe it does exist but advises people to 'take advantage' of it.
The man, his party and its supporters are a disgrace.
Frontier(s), says...
3:52pm Mon 5 May 08
How ridiculous can you get??
Tony Hillier, Old Walcot says...
3:54pm Mon 5 May 08
6-7 pm
Live radio discussion :
Why didn't people vote ?
Why did some bother ?
What should politicans do to change that ?
Swindon 105.5
Telephone :
01793 611555
(during show or record your views prior by telephoning any reasonable time)
or e mail views :
info@swindon1055.com
tune in to 105.5 fm
http://www.community
radioswindon.com/
Regards
Tony Hillier
Discussion Presenter
doug@homefarm, SN1 says...
6:45pm Mon 5 May 08
I can't be arsed to respond to Big Mac, why do think he's changed his name?
Robert Feal-Martinez, Swindon says...
7:47pm Mon 5 May 08
Robert Feal-Martinez, Swindon says...
7:52pm Mon 5 May 08
Donkey, Swindon says...
8:16pm Mon 5 May 08
Yes, indeed, our old friend and hard fought for BH ... May Day!! Greetings to you and yours also, indeed!
Nice to know that you were a musician of such high standing ... me, I did almost a thousand gigs in and around these parts over ...'Donkey's Years ... it seemed'! My final one was at my second wedding reception in 2003, with my good friend on guitar, a son-in-law doing a song or two and our own worst enemies, the backing tracks and a drum machine for company!
Most of the regular clubs and other venues have now sadly closed or been converted, though ... such a shame!
Tony Hillier, Old Walcot says...
10:04pm Mon 5 May 08
Phone the studio to record your comments or book a place in the studio discussion.
You are welcome on the programme.
Tony
Frontier(s), says...
12:19am Tue 6 May 08
BTW, you might like to remember what libel actually is when you so merrily throw terms like 'racist' around.
Doug, no surprise that you 'can't be arsed' to defend yourself. You're a self proclaimed Stalinist, it's impossible for you to defend yourself.
You two do have such strange and warped ideas. I am ALL for the people, it's you two who seem committed to handing all power to the arrogant elite of the State - ie, those who will NEVER have the people's best interests at heart.
doug@homefarm, SN1 says...
7:26am Tue 6 May 08
Sorry Big mac< I know what your referring to but I never said what you accuse me of. By the way if you forget your pass word then you type in the forgotten box and the adver tells you what it was. There is no need to change your identity unless you have another agenda!
Donkey, Swindon says...
10:05am Tue 6 May 08
Not true ... check any of my posts ... I do not use that word!
Robert Feal-Martinez, Swindon says...
10:35am Tue 6 May 08
Frontier(s), says...
3:37pm Tue 6 May 08
Donkey wrote:I didn't 'imply' anything, I specifically said that you have called people 'racist'.
Big Mc implied ... "BTW, you might like to remember what libel actually is when you so merrily throw terms like 'racist' around."
Not true ... check any of my posts ... I do not use that word!
Although, for reasons best known to yourself, you use the term 'racialist'.
Like so many lefties, you use the term in any and all discussions that involve anyone or anything that's different to you in a feeble attempt to 'win' the argument.
You also claim that anyone who doesn't fall into line with your left-wing socialist agenda is 'nasty' or a 'Tory'.
You then have the audacity to call others 'bigots'!
And when anyone dares point this out to you, you fall back to your other charming little trick of pretending to play the victim.
While I rarely agree with your comments or views, I value your contributions - it's just a same you don't learn some adult debating techniques. I'm sure it would help make your views seem less outdated and naive.
Donkey, Swindon says...
9:31am Wed 7 May 08
I will say something in my 'victim' role, to which you often refer ...
In society, all manner of educational levels are reached ... whilst not having a doctorate in the English language, I am as entitled as anyone else to put my opinion in whichever way my academic prowess, or lack of determines.
I do admire some of the, very well researched, responses from some extremely intelligent sources on here, and it has to be said, there is much to learn from every commentator.
The differences between views are what makes the spice of life ... some object to Tony Hillier's poetry, in fact he lambasted one of my rhymes on one occasion, but everyone is an acquired taste, be it sweet or acid!
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Justin Tomlinson, Taw Hill, Swindon says...
11:24pm Fri 2 May 08
It was a shame there was no internet / telephone voting - for some reason the Labour Government (I believe Michael Wills may be the Jnr Minister responsible for this area, not 100% sure) didn't use this system this year.