Election Thursday

[akaceefax]

Why are elections traditionally held ona thursday in the UK? where did the tradition come from?

[RevShirls]

Not sure where the tradition came from but this question is posed a lot on Parliamentary websites. One of the replies they give is the following:

Why are elections held on Thursdays?
This is custom only; the Prime Minister could choose otherwise. the last time the general election was not on a Thursday was Tuesday 27 October 1931. Other elections not held on a Thursday (since polling day fixed to a single day in 1918):

Saturday 14 Dec 1918; Wednesday 15 Nov 1922; Wednesday 29 Oct 1924.

Source: British Political Facts 1900-2000.
David Butler & Gareth Butler. Macmillan. 1994

[kempie]

One theory is that back in the good old days, when the horse was the fastest means of transport, a Thursday election meant that voting results could be returned to London for announcement on the following Monday.

[Hippy]

Another idea is that Thursday was the most popular day for markets, and the local population would already by programmed to get out and mingle in a crowd, so voting would not be such an onerous task. I think French elections are at "le Weekend" for much the same reason in modern times.

[Quizmonster]

Since 1935, all general elections have been held on a Thursday, though prior to that time, it could be any day of the week except Sunday.  Three reasons are generally given for the choice of day.  Firstly, Thursday was commonly an early-closing day, so workers had more opportunity to get to the polling-stations.  Secondly, Friday was pay-day and many working men would head straight to the pub after work.  It was thought that this might unduly influence them, as they might be exposed to pressure there from the largely-Tory brewing interests.  Thirdly, on a Sunday, they might be influenced by ministers of the Free Church and they were mostly Liberals.  So Thursday - the day furthest-removed from either of these -was chosen.  Opportunity to vote and fairness would seem to have been the key reasons for choosing Thursdays.

[SteveH75]

Good Question - Good Answers!

I guess now - it's election Day on a Thursday ... results at night - TV interviews on Fridays, and finish up early for the weekend. We all know how politicians love their holidays!! ;o)