News / Bristol
Election Day dawns in Bristol
Voters across Bristol are heading to the polls to make their voices heard in what has been dubbed the most important General Election for a generation.
It all began less than eight weeks ago with a shock announcement from Theresa May that was met with elation, criticism and incredulity from different factions across the city and the ensuing campaign has been short, but not without surprises.
Polling Stations opened at 7am on Thursday, where the atmosphere in the Labour stronghold of South Bristol was one of camaraderie as the slow, but steady stream of people making their way into Hartcliffe Club for Young People to cast their votes greeted each other as they passed.
is needed now More than ever
Hartcliffe resident Bart Hayward voted Labour
One such voter, Bart Hayward, 25, confirmed Labour got his support as “at least they can tell us where the money is going,” adding that he is angry with Theresa May for taking away free school lunches in particular.
Tellers from the Green Party outside the Central Library polling station.
Of course, all eyes are on Bristol West, a marginal constituency that the Green Party has earmarked as its best hope of gaining a second MP and pulled out all the stops in a rigorous campaign. On Thursday morning the bookies were still backing a Labour win, but the outcome could still go either way.
It is a close two-horse race between the Conservatives and Labour in Bristol East, while Bristol South looks set to remain a firm Labour constituency and Tory incumbent Charlotte Leslie is the bookies favourite to regain her seat in Bristol North West.
Few will forget a woman known simply as Brenda from Bristol who seemingly captured the mood of the nation with her incredulous response of “You’re joking? Not another one!” when the BBC’s Jon Kay broke the news of the snap General Election to her.
Since then, troops on the ground have rallied admirably to encourage voter engagement with initiatives that have ranged from free beer for students when they registered to vote, to mystery projections across the city urging people to make their voices heard.
The result has seen a huge influx in people, particularly in the 18 – 25 age bracket, registering to vote and the numbers who turn out to the polling stations could sway the election either way.
Bristol-based homeless charity St Mungo’s has also been encouraging clients to register and make their opinions known.
Navlet Anderson, a St Mungo’s client volunteer (main picture) voted by post and said: “This is the first time in seven years I have registered to vote.
“In the past I have moved about a lot and didn’t give it much thought. But this year I am worried and I believe my vote could change something. It makes me feel that what I say counts.”
Bristol24/7 will be bringing you live election day action from the moment the polls close at 10pm on Thursday, featuring interviews, information, updates and results as they are announced.
Read more: Who will you be voting for on Thursday?
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