Polling station location may influence choices...

Scientists have suggested that the physical location of polling stations could have an adverse effect on the ways in which people vote in elections. So strong is the belief in the idea that calls for further research into the phenomenon have been requested to ensure that any unnecessary bias will be avoided in future elections.

The theory came into effect after it was noted that schools which were used as polling stations attracted the most votes for education initiatives. Thanks to their superior mindsets, the white coats in charge of the research suggested that these implications could be extended to the UK as a whole.

"In the US, for example, there is a link between religion and Conservatives, and though we did not test this possibility, it is possible that voting in churches could potentially lead people who are on the fence towards supporting that party", said Dr Jonah Berger of The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.

Whether or not there is any substance to the theory remains to be seen. No doubt it will take a few fat research grants and a few years before there's any conclusive evidence pointing towards either an affirmative or a negative answer to the question.

The last polling booth Westmonster found itself in was in a backstairs alley on the periphery of town. It had a distinctive dusty smell, not much charm, and had definitely seen better days. With that information, you probably wouldn't be too surprised if we told you who we voted for, so perhaps the boffins are on to something...

Written by Oli Anderson on 1 Jul 2008 1:50 PM. Permalink