ABSTRACT

In a British general election polling usually takes place in the middle of the week and the previous Sunday marks a dividing line between the earlier struggle and the last lap. In present times the Sunday does not bring all political activity to an end, but it brings it to a low ebb. Sunday, 1 July, was for most candidates a day of rest. On Monday the battle began again for three more days, closing on the evening of Wednesday before the polling on Thursday, 5 July. On polling-day itself advocacy and persuasion end and the efforts of candidates and party workers are devoted to showing the flag in the constituency, visiting polling-stations, reminding supporters of the duty of voting and providing transport for aged or infirm voters to the polling-places. In 1945 this last activity was much reduced by shortage of private cars and lack of petrol.