After polling stations close…
There’s nothing quite like election night. It’s a strange mix of anxiety and anticipation; an arena where hopes are dashed or born. You could have no interest in politics at all and still be drawn in. Here’s what happens after the polling stations shut.
On election night, row upon row of tables are set out. As the ballot boxes arrive, the counting starts in ernest. There are strict rules to stop you reporting what you see at this stage, even if you notice the votes for one candidate begin to pile up.
Milling around the edges are the candidates, their agents and some supporters, waiting for what seems like an eternity, for the result to be called. By now, it’s usually well past midnight. These are the people who’ve been knocking on doors, fielding questions, persuading floating voters and smiling for the cameras throughout the campaign. And for the majority, it’ll come to nothing.
Check the clock. It’s normally about 3am. As the last votes are counted, if you’re lucky, a press officer might tip you off. Otherwise, you wait alongside the candidates until the moment the result is announced on stage. The instant when all those hours, months, sometimes years of work are suspended. It’s a rare chance to see real life drama unfold.
There can only be one winner. The returning officer announces the person chosen to represent you in Parliament. Whatever your view of politics, this is our democratic process in action. This year the council’s press office has been inundated with media requests to be at tonight’s count. Norwich South is going to be close, and is attracting national attention. For regular updates, follow SNNews tonight on Twitter.
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