SAVE GENERAL ELECTION NIGHT CAMPAIGN

Early day motion 334, tabled 2 December 2009 by Tom Harris (Labour). Signed by 114 members.

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.

Signatures by party: Labour 58, Conservative 29, Liberal Democrat 21, DUP 2, Independent 2, Plaid Cymru 1, Scottish National Party 1.