Post #2847974
2026-05-08 12:51 UTC
Replies (2)
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@avon_deer@dragonchat.org 2026-05-08 14:30
@aetus@birdbutt.com (taken from wikipaedia) In the United Kingdom, tellers work on behalf of political parties (usually as volunteers). They stand or sit outside the polling station and collect electoral registration numbers (poll numbers) of voters as they enter or leave. They play no official part in the election and voters are under no obligation to speak with them. They are not polling agents, so they have no official rights, such as to enter the polling station. If asked, the tellers must explain they are not officials and why they are collecting poll numbers.[1] Tellers help their parties identify supporters who have not yet voted, so that they can be contacted and encouraged to vote, and offered assistance—such as transport to the polling station—if necessary. In as far as this increases turn-out, it may be said to be "good" for the democratic process, since a higher voter turnout is generally a stated objective. Police officers may intervene if tellers "irritate voters, exert undue influence or obstruct the polling station." [2][3][4][5][6]
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@avon_deer@dragonchat.org 2026-05-08 14:32
@aetus@birdbutt.com Frankly I did not know that they were a thing and I STAND for local office. The whole concept to me seems ripe for abuse and intimidation. Especially in the current climate. I question whether they should be permitted. Certainly not in a country with as a poor a record on teaching civics as the UK is.