The reason why UK general elections are always on Thursdays

Today, July 4, the nation will head to the polls to cast their votes for the next Prime Minister in the first general election of 2019. A lot has changed since then, including the issues that matter most to voters, but a constant. remains – we will vote on a Thursday.

Since 1931, every general election has been held on a Thursday, making the upcoming vote the 22nd consecutive time this tradition has been observed. Prior to this, voting could take several days and there are even cases of different constituencies voting on different days before 1918.

So why are we voting on Thursday now?

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The answer is rooted more in tradition than regulation—here are some of the most widely accepted theories.

Why is Britain holding a general election on Thursday?

Although there is no legal requirement that the election be held on Thursday, the most compelling reason for this choice is that it facilitates a smooth transition of power. Thursday’s vote allows ballots to be counted overnight, with most results available by Friday morning, reports Birmingham Live.

This program gives any incoming prime minister until Monday morning to organize his new cabinet, move into Downing Street and brief civil servants. Other historical theories suggest that social and cultural factors also play a role.

In the era of weekly pay packets, usually distributed on Fridays, it was believed that social activities on this day could have an impact on voter turnout. In addition, when the church held a significant role in society, Sunday was considered inappropriate for elections, with concerns that sermons might influence voters.

The reason behind midweek elections was to distance voters from the influence of pubs or churches. Moreover, Thursdays were historically market days in many towns and villages, leading to higher traffic numbers and a potential increase in voter turnout.

When did the uk election start on thursday?

The last general election in the United Kingdom not to be held on a Thursday was held in October 1931. The subsequent election in 1935 fell on a Thursday, and this tradition has continued ever since.

Prior to this, polling days varied but always took place on weekdays.

By-elections have also predominantly been held on Thursdays since 1965. A notable exception was the by-election in Hamilton, Scotland, which was held on a Wednesday to avoid conflict with the start of the 1978 World Cup in Argentina the following day .

What are the voting times for the general election?

Polling stations for the general election will be open between 7am and 10pm in all constituencies, and this year voters will be required to show photo ID. The location of your local polling station will be shown on your polling card, which you should receive in the post.

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