Running a General Election and the European Elections together












9















There's talk in the news about the possibility of a General Election being called. If one is called, could the General Election and European Election be run together with a single ballot paper divided up into two sections, one to elect an MP and the other section to elect an MEP?










share|improve this question























  • To add to some of the answers which mention the need for separate ballot papers: simultaneous elections may also have separate ballot boxes, as the counts are typically not done at the same time. For example, if a general election and local elections are held at the same time, it may be the case that the GE count begins immediately after polls close, but the LE count doesn't begin until the next day (so that the counting staff can have a rest!).

    – Steve Melnikoff
    Mar 31 at 11:23
















9















There's talk in the news about the possibility of a General Election being called. If one is called, could the General Election and European Election be run together with a single ballot paper divided up into two sections, one to elect an MP and the other section to elect an MEP?










share|improve this question























  • To add to some of the answers which mention the need for separate ballot papers: simultaneous elections may also have separate ballot boxes, as the counts are typically not done at the same time. For example, if a general election and local elections are held at the same time, it may be the case that the GE count begins immediately after polls close, but the LE count doesn't begin until the next day (so that the counting staff can have a rest!).

    – Steve Melnikoff
    Mar 31 at 11:23














9












9








9


1






There's talk in the news about the possibility of a General Election being called. If one is called, could the General Election and European Election be run together with a single ballot paper divided up into two sections, one to elect an MP and the other section to elect an MEP?










share|improve this question














There's talk in the news about the possibility of a General Election being called. If one is called, could the General Election and European Election be run together with a single ballot paper divided up into two sections, one to elect an MP and the other section to elect an MEP?







united-kingdom election parliament european-parliament






share|improve this question













share|improve this question











share|improve this question




share|improve this question










asked Mar 30 at 7:29









SpacePhoenixSpacePhoenix

23015




23015













  • To add to some of the answers which mention the need for separate ballot papers: simultaneous elections may also have separate ballot boxes, as the counts are typically not done at the same time. For example, if a general election and local elections are held at the same time, it may be the case that the GE count begins immediately after polls close, but the LE count doesn't begin until the next day (so that the counting staff can have a rest!).

    – Steve Melnikoff
    Mar 31 at 11:23



















  • To add to some of the answers which mention the need for separate ballot papers: simultaneous elections may also have separate ballot boxes, as the counts are typically not done at the same time. For example, if a general election and local elections are held at the same time, it may be the case that the GE count begins immediately after polls close, but the LE count doesn't begin until the next day (so that the counting staff can have a rest!).

    – Steve Melnikoff
    Mar 31 at 11:23

















To add to some of the answers which mention the need for separate ballot papers: simultaneous elections may also have separate ballot boxes, as the counts are typically not done at the same time. For example, if a general election and local elections are held at the same time, it may be the case that the GE count begins immediately after polls close, but the LE count doesn't begin until the next day (so that the counting staff can have a rest!).

– Steve Melnikoff
Mar 31 at 11:23





To add to some of the answers which mention the need for separate ballot papers: simultaneous elections may also have separate ballot boxes, as the counts are typically not done at the same time. For example, if a general election and local elections are held at the same time, it may be the case that the GE count begins immediately after polls close, but the LE count doesn't begin until the next day (so that the counting staff can have a rest!).

– Steve Melnikoff
Mar 31 at 11:23










5 Answers
5






active

oldest

votes


















13














It's not unheard of to hold local council elections, Scottish parliament elections and Welsh assembly elections at the same time, e.g. 2016 -
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_United_Kingdom_local_elections



European elections sometimes get bundled in with those, like in 2014
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_United_Kingdom_local_elections



Lastly, in 2015 the local elections and general election were held at the same time: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_United_Kingdom_local_elections



If I remember correctly it's fairly common, if not predominant, that they're combined. You just get N ballot forms, where N is the number of things you're voting for.



Anyway, my guess is that from a technical point of view it's absolutely possible. It's not happened yet as there's only been one year when a general election and European elections were in the same year - 1979 (the first European elections!) - and they were in different months. A short notice period is needed - that's been 25 working days [corrected - thanks origimbo] since the fixed term parliament act was amended in 2013
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fixed-term_Parliaments_Act_2011






share|improve this answer





















  • 4





    In England, it is perfectly normal for several elections to be held on the same day. You go to the same polling station for all of them, get issued a separate ballot paper for each election being held, and put the ballots in the appropriate boxes after marking them. Obviously, a few ballots end up in the wrong boxes, and sorting them out is part of the first phase of the count, where the total number of ballots is established, spoiled votes are taken out, and all the papers put the same way round in bundles. The UK's simple and low-tech voting system makes this fairly easy to manage.

    – John Dallman
    Mar 30 at 9:03






  • 2





    That's 25 working days, or at least 5 weeks. Which given when Easter falls this year pretty much makes the cut off around the new "exit day".

    – origimbo
    Mar 30 at 15:48





















4














I doubt that it would be a single ballot. Formally, the two elections are separate, and mixing them on the same paper compromises this.




  • EU citizens in the UK can vote in EU elections, but not in British national elections. They would need separate ballots.

  • Which ballot goes on top? Are the parties in the same order on both ballots?

  • Can a voter vote in one election and abstain in the other, or would he have to spoil the ballot on the second election?

  • Is it even possible to spoil one ballot on the paper and not the other, or would the entire paper be discarded?


A more practical suggestion would be to hold two separate elections sharing the same polling stations on the same day. Go to the left, vote for the national elections, then go to the right, vote for the EU elections.






share|improve this answer


























  • Could the poll cards and postal votes at least be shared, even if there were to be two separate ballot papers in a postal vote pack but with the returning office being the same

    – SpacePhoenix
    Mar 30 at 9:10











  • @SpacePhoenix, re the postal votes, same concerns as for the polling station voting. Regarding the poll cards, maybe, but one would still need to print two different designs. EU27 residents in the UK can vote in the EU elections, after all.

    – o.m.
    Mar 30 at 9:16











  • None of these arguments are specific to the UK, and all could just as easily apply to (for example) American elections. But most US states freely mix federal, state, and local elections on the same ballot, so I'm skeptical of your entire answer.

    – Kevin
    Mar 30 at 17:40






  • 1





    @Kevin, do any of the US examples have different electorates for simultaneous elections?

    – o.m.
    Mar 30 at 17:58






  • 1





    @o.m.: Nothing goes without saying; it is unreasonable to assume that every reader knows the intricacies of British and European election laws.

    – Kevin
    Mar 30 at 22:18



















3














No, the elections could be held on the same day, but it would be impractical to have a single ballot paper. The constituency boundaries are not the same, and some people are eligible to vote in European elections but not in UK elections. There would be two ballot papers.






share|improve this answer
























  • I believe there are also people who can vote in the general election but not in the European parliament election.

    – phoog
    Mar 30 at 16:37











  • @phoog I’m not sure who that would be — do you have a reference?

    – Mike Scott
    Mar 30 at 16:42











  • @phoog Not correct. Anyone who is eligible to vote in a General Election can also vote in European Elections.

    – Joe C
    Mar 30 at 16:47











  • @JoeC "qualifying commonwealth citizens" can vote in general elections. Most citizens of commonwealth countries are not EU citizens, so as far as I understand it should not be eligible to vote in European parliament elections.

    – phoog
    Mar 30 at 17:08











  • @phoog Commonwealth citizens resident in the UK can vote in European elections even if their country of citizenship is not European. europarl.europa.eu/unitedkingdom/en/your-meps/…

    – Mike Scott
    Mar 30 at 17:11



















3














If the elections are held on the same day, then two different ballot papers will be used. In London, when the Mayor and Assembly are elected at the same time, three different ballot papers are used (one for Mayor, one for Assembly Constituency Member, one for Assembly At-Large Members).



These ballot papers will be different colours to help the voters, as well as the sorters at the count.






share|improve this answer































    2














    Yes in the Netherlands we had such an election this month, however it was not on the same ballot and I think it's unlikely somewhere in the world the same ballot will be used.




    Provincial Council elections and water boards On March 20, 2019,
    elections took place in the Netherlands. You could choose the members
    of the Provincial Council. You were also allowed to vote for the
    eligible members of the board of your water board. The members of the
    Provincial Council then elect the members of the Senate. That will
    happen in May 2019.



    Final results Immediate results will be announced immediately after
    the elections. These results are only definitive if they have been
    approved by the Electoral Council. The Electoral Council will announce
    the final results on Monday, March 25, 2019 via news items on its own
    website.




    https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/verkiezingen/20-maart-2019-verkiezingen-provinciale-staten-en-waterschappen






    share|improve this answer





















    • 1





      Yes I forgot to mention that specifically. However I doubt they will ever just use 1 ballot anywhere.

      – Thomas
      Mar 30 at 14:32












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    5 Answers
    5






    active

    oldest

    votes








    5 Answers
    5






    active

    oldest

    votes









    active

    oldest

    votes






    active

    oldest

    votes









    13














    It's not unheard of to hold local council elections, Scottish parliament elections and Welsh assembly elections at the same time, e.g. 2016 -
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_United_Kingdom_local_elections



    European elections sometimes get bundled in with those, like in 2014
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_United_Kingdom_local_elections



    Lastly, in 2015 the local elections and general election were held at the same time: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_United_Kingdom_local_elections



    If I remember correctly it's fairly common, if not predominant, that they're combined. You just get N ballot forms, where N is the number of things you're voting for.



    Anyway, my guess is that from a technical point of view it's absolutely possible. It's not happened yet as there's only been one year when a general election and European elections were in the same year - 1979 (the first European elections!) - and they were in different months. A short notice period is needed - that's been 25 working days [corrected - thanks origimbo] since the fixed term parliament act was amended in 2013
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fixed-term_Parliaments_Act_2011






    share|improve this answer





















    • 4





      In England, it is perfectly normal for several elections to be held on the same day. You go to the same polling station for all of them, get issued a separate ballot paper for each election being held, and put the ballots in the appropriate boxes after marking them. Obviously, a few ballots end up in the wrong boxes, and sorting them out is part of the first phase of the count, where the total number of ballots is established, spoiled votes are taken out, and all the papers put the same way round in bundles. The UK's simple and low-tech voting system makes this fairly easy to manage.

      – John Dallman
      Mar 30 at 9:03






    • 2





      That's 25 working days, or at least 5 weeks. Which given when Easter falls this year pretty much makes the cut off around the new "exit day".

      – origimbo
      Mar 30 at 15:48


















    13














    It's not unheard of to hold local council elections, Scottish parliament elections and Welsh assembly elections at the same time, e.g. 2016 -
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_United_Kingdom_local_elections



    European elections sometimes get bundled in with those, like in 2014
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_United_Kingdom_local_elections



    Lastly, in 2015 the local elections and general election were held at the same time: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_United_Kingdom_local_elections



    If I remember correctly it's fairly common, if not predominant, that they're combined. You just get N ballot forms, where N is the number of things you're voting for.



    Anyway, my guess is that from a technical point of view it's absolutely possible. It's not happened yet as there's only been one year when a general election and European elections were in the same year - 1979 (the first European elections!) - and they were in different months. A short notice period is needed - that's been 25 working days [corrected - thanks origimbo] since the fixed term parliament act was amended in 2013
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fixed-term_Parliaments_Act_2011






    share|improve this answer





















    • 4





      In England, it is perfectly normal for several elections to be held on the same day. You go to the same polling station for all of them, get issued a separate ballot paper for each election being held, and put the ballots in the appropriate boxes after marking them. Obviously, a few ballots end up in the wrong boxes, and sorting them out is part of the first phase of the count, where the total number of ballots is established, spoiled votes are taken out, and all the papers put the same way round in bundles. The UK's simple and low-tech voting system makes this fairly easy to manage.

      – John Dallman
      Mar 30 at 9:03






    • 2





      That's 25 working days, or at least 5 weeks. Which given when Easter falls this year pretty much makes the cut off around the new "exit day".

      – origimbo
      Mar 30 at 15:48
















    13












    13








    13







    It's not unheard of to hold local council elections, Scottish parliament elections and Welsh assembly elections at the same time, e.g. 2016 -
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_United_Kingdom_local_elections



    European elections sometimes get bundled in with those, like in 2014
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_United_Kingdom_local_elections



    Lastly, in 2015 the local elections and general election were held at the same time: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_United_Kingdom_local_elections



    If I remember correctly it's fairly common, if not predominant, that they're combined. You just get N ballot forms, where N is the number of things you're voting for.



    Anyway, my guess is that from a technical point of view it's absolutely possible. It's not happened yet as there's only been one year when a general election and European elections were in the same year - 1979 (the first European elections!) - and they were in different months. A short notice period is needed - that's been 25 working days [corrected - thanks origimbo] since the fixed term parliament act was amended in 2013
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fixed-term_Parliaments_Act_2011






    share|improve this answer















    It's not unheard of to hold local council elections, Scottish parliament elections and Welsh assembly elections at the same time, e.g. 2016 -
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_United_Kingdom_local_elections



    European elections sometimes get bundled in with those, like in 2014
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_United_Kingdom_local_elections



    Lastly, in 2015 the local elections and general election were held at the same time: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_United_Kingdom_local_elections



    If I remember correctly it's fairly common, if not predominant, that they're combined. You just get N ballot forms, where N is the number of things you're voting for.



    Anyway, my guess is that from a technical point of view it's absolutely possible. It's not happened yet as there's only been one year when a general election and European elections were in the same year - 1979 (the first European elections!) - and they were in different months. A short notice period is needed - that's been 25 working days [corrected - thanks origimbo] since the fixed term parliament act was amended in 2013
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fixed-term_Parliaments_Act_2011







    share|improve this answer














    share|improve this answer



    share|improve this answer








    edited Apr 1 at 9:54

























    answered Mar 30 at 7:51









    Algy TaylorAlgy Taylor

    24614




    24614








    • 4





      In England, it is perfectly normal for several elections to be held on the same day. You go to the same polling station for all of them, get issued a separate ballot paper for each election being held, and put the ballots in the appropriate boxes after marking them. Obviously, a few ballots end up in the wrong boxes, and sorting them out is part of the first phase of the count, where the total number of ballots is established, spoiled votes are taken out, and all the papers put the same way round in bundles. The UK's simple and low-tech voting system makes this fairly easy to manage.

      – John Dallman
      Mar 30 at 9:03






    • 2





      That's 25 working days, or at least 5 weeks. Which given when Easter falls this year pretty much makes the cut off around the new "exit day".

      – origimbo
      Mar 30 at 15:48
















    • 4





      In England, it is perfectly normal for several elections to be held on the same day. You go to the same polling station for all of them, get issued a separate ballot paper for each election being held, and put the ballots in the appropriate boxes after marking them. Obviously, a few ballots end up in the wrong boxes, and sorting them out is part of the first phase of the count, where the total number of ballots is established, spoiled votes are taken out, and all the papers put the same way round in bundles. The UK's simple and low-tech voting system makes this fairly easy to manage.

      – John Dallman
      Mar 30 at 9:03






    • 2





      That's 25 working days, or at least 5 weeks. Which given when Easter falls this year pretty much makes the cut off around the new "exit day".

      – origimbo
      Mar 30 at 15:48










    4




    4





    In England, it is perfectly normal for several elections to be held on the same day. You go to the same polling station for all of them, get issued a separate ballot paper for each election being held, and put the ballots in the appropriate boxes after marking them. Obviously, a few ballots end up in the wrong boxes, and sorting them out is part of the first phase of the count, where the total number of ballots is established, spoiled votes are taken out, and all the papers put the same way round in bundles. The UK's simple and low-tech voting system makes this fairly easy to manage.

    – John Dallman
    Mar 30 at 9:03





    In England, it is perfectly normal for several elections to be held on the same day. You go to the same polling station for all of them, get issued a separate ballot paper for each election being held, and put the ballots in the appropriate boxes after marking them. Obviously, a few ballots end up in the wrong boxes, and sorting them out is part of the first phase of the count, where the total number of ballots is established, spoiled votes are taken out, and all the papers put the same way round in bundles. The UK's simple and low-tech voting system makes this fairly easy to manage.

    – John Dallman
    Mar 30 at 9:03




    2




    2





    That's 25 working days, or at least 5 weeks. Which given when Easter falls this year pretty much makes the cut off around the new "exit day".

    – origimbo
    Mar 30 at 15:48







    That's 25 working days, or at least 5 weeks. Which given when Easter falls this year pretty much makes the cut off around the new "exit day".

    – origimbo
    Mar 30 at 15:48













    4














    I doubt that it would be a single ballot. Formally, the two elections are separate, and mixing them on the same paper compromises this.




    • EU citizens in the UK can vote in EU elections, but not in British national elections. They would need separate ballots.

    • Which ballot goes on top? Are the parties in the same order on both ballots?

    • Can a voter vote in one election and abstain in the other, or would he have to spoil the ballot on the second election?

    • Is it even possible to spoil one ballot on the paper and not the other, or would the entire paper be discarded?


    A more practical suggestion would be to hold two separate elections sharing the same polling stations on the same day. Go to the left, vote for the national elections, then go to the right, vote for the EU elections.






    share|improve this answer


























    • Could the poll cards and postal votes at least be shared, even if there were to be two separate ballot papers in a postal vote pack but with the returning office being the same

      – SpacePhoenix
      Mar 30 at 9:10











    • @SpacePhoenix, re the postal votes, same concerns as for the polling station voting. Regarding the poll cards, maybe, but one would still need to print two different designs. EU27 residents in the UK can vote in the EU elections, after all.

      – o.m.
      Mar 30 at 9:16











    • None of these arguments are specific to the UK, and all could just as easily apply to (for example) American elections. But most US states freely mix federal, state, and local elections on the same ballot, so I'm skeptical of your entire answer.

      – Kevin
      Mar 30 at 17:40






    • 1





      @Kevin, do any of the US examples have different electorates for simultaneous elections?

      – o.m.
      Mar 30 at 17:58






    • 1





      @o.m.: Nothing goes without saying; it is unreasonable to assume that every reader knows the intricacies of British and European election laws.

      – Kevin
      Mar 30 at 22:18
















    4














    I doubt that it would be a single ballot. Formally, the two elections are separate, and mixing them on the same paper compromises this.




    • EU citizens in the UK can vote in EU elections, but not in British national elections. They would need separate ballots.

    • Which ballot goes on top? Are the parties in the same order on both ballots?

    • Can a voter vote in one election and abstain in the other, or would he have to spoil the ballot on the second election?

    • Is it even possible to spoil one ballot on the paper and not the other, or would the entire paper be discarded?


    A more practical suggestion would be to hold two separate elections sharing the same polling stations on the same day. Go to the left, vote for the national elections, then go to the right, vote for the EU elections.






    share|improve this answer


























    • Could the poll cards and postal votes at least be shared, even if there were to be two separate ballot papers in a postal vote pack but with the returning office being the same

      – SpacePhoenix
      Mar 30 at 9:10











    • @SpacePhoenix, re the postal votes, same concerns as for the polling station voting. Regarding the poll cards, maybe, but one would still need to print two different designs. EU27 residents in the UK can vote in the EU elections, after all.

      – o.m.
      Mar 30 at 9:16











    • None of these arguments are specific to the UK, and all could just as easily apply to (for example) American elections. But most US states freely mix federal, state, and local elections on the same ballot, so I'm skeptical of your entire answer.

      – Kevin
      Mar 30 at 17:40






    • 1





      @Kevin, do any of the US examples have different electorates for simultaneous elections?

      – o.m.
      Mar 30 at 17:58






    • 1





      @o.m.: Nothing goes without saying; it is unreasonable to assume that every reader knows the intricacies of British and European election laws.

      – Kevin
      Mar 30 at 22:18














    4












    4








    4







    I doubt that it would be a single ballot. Formally, the two elections are separate, and mixing them on the same paper compromises this.




    • EU citizens in the UK can vote in EU elections, but not in British national elections. They would need separate ballots.

    • Which ballot goes on top? Are the parties in the same order on both ballots?

    • Can a voter vote in one election and abstain in the other, or would he have to spoil the ballot on the second election?

    • Is it even possible to spoil one ballot on the paper and not the other, or would the entire paper be discarded?


    A more practical suggestion would be to hold two separate elections sharing the same polling stations on the same day. Go to the left, vote for the national elections, then go to the right, vote for the EU elections.






    share|improve this answer















    I doubt that it would be a single ballot. Formally, the two elections are separate, and mixing them on the same paper compromises this.




    • EU citizens in the UK can vote in EU elections, but not in British national elections. They would need separate ballots.

    • Which ballot goes on top? Are the parties in the same order on both ballots?

    • Can a voter vote in one election and abstain in the other, or would he have to spoil the ballot on the second election?

    • Is it even possible to spoil one ballot on the paper and not the other, or would the entire paper be discarded?


    A more practical suggestion would be to hold two separate elections sharing the same polling stations on the same day. Go to the left, vote for the national elections, then go to the right, vote for the EU elections.







    share|improve this answer














    share|improve this answer



    share|improve this answer








    edited Mar 30 at 18:20

























    answered Mar 30 at 8:58









    o.m.o.m.

    11.2k22447




    11.2k22447













    • Could the poll cards and postal votes at least be shared, even if there were to be two separate ballot papers in a postal vote pack but with the returning office being the same

      – SpacePhoenix
      Mar 30 at 9:10











    • @SpacePhoenix, re the postal votes, same concerns as for the polling station voting. Regarding the poll cards, maybe, but one would still need to print two different designs. EU27 residents in the UK can vote in the EU elections, after all.

      – o.m.
      Mar 30 at 9:16











    • None of these arguments are specific to the UK, and all could just as easily apply to (for example) American elections. But most US states freely mix federal, state, and local elections on the same ballot, so I'm skeptical of your entire answer.

      – Kevin
      Mar 30 at 17:40






    • 1





      @Kevin, do any of the US examples have different electorates for simultaneous elections?

      – o.m.
      Mar 30 at 17:58






    • 1





      @o.m.: Nothing goes without saying; it is unreasonable to assume that every reader knows the intricacies of British and European election laws.

      – Kevin
      Mar 30 at 22:18



















    • Could the poll cards and postal votes at least be shared, even if there were to be two separate ballot papers in a postal vote pack but with the returning office being the same

      – SpacePhoenix
      Mar 30 at 9:10











    • @SpacePhoenix, re the postal votes, same concerns as for the polling station voting. Regarding the poll cards, maybe, but one would still need to print two different designs. EU27 residents in the UK can vote in the EU elections, after all.

      – o.m.
      Mar 30 at 9:16











    • None of these arguments are specific to the UK, and all could just as easily apply to (for example) American elections. But most US states freely mix federal, state, and local elections on the same ballot, so I'm skeptical of your entire answer.

      – Kevin
      Mar 30 at 17:40






    • 1





      @Kevin, do any of the US examples have different electorates for simultaneous elections?

      – o.m.
      Mar 30 at 17:58






    • 1





      @o.m.: Nothing goes without saying; it is unreasonable to assume that every reader knows the intricacies of British and European election laws.

      – Kevin
      Mar 30 at 22:18

















    Could the poll cards and postal votes at least be shared, even if there were to be two separate ballot papers in a postal vote pack but with the returning office being the same

    – SpacePhoenix
    Mar 30 at 9:10





    Could the poll cards and postal votes at least be shared, even if there were to be two separate ballot papers in a postal vote pack but with the returning office being the same

    – SpacePhoenix
    Mar 30 at 9:10













    @SpacePhoenix, re the postal votes, same concerns as for the polling station voting. Regarding the poll cards, maybe, but one would still need to print two different designs. EU27 residents in the UK can vote in the EU elections, after all.

    – o.m.
    Mar 30 at 9:16





    @SpacePhoenix, re the postal votes, same concerns as for the polling station voting. Regarding the poll cards, maybe, but one would still need to print two different designs. EU27 residents in the UK can vote in the EU elections, after all.

    – o.m.
    Mar 30 at 9:16













    None of these arguments are specific to the UK, and all could just as easily apply to (for example) American elections. But most US states freely mix federal, state, and local elections on the same ballot, so I'm skeptical of your entire answer.

    – Kevin
    Mar 30 at 17:40





    None of these arguments are specific to the UK, and all could just as easily apply to (for example) American elections. But most US states freely mix federal, state, and local elections on the same ballot, so I'm skeptical of your entire answer.

    – Kevin
    Mar 30 at 17:40




    1




    1





    @Kevin, do any of the US examples have different electorates for simultaneous elections?

    – o.m.
    Mar 30 at 17:58





    @Kevin, do any of the US examples have different electorates for simultaneous elections?

    – o.m.
    Mar 30 at 17:58




    1




    1





    @o.m.: Nothing goes without saying; it is unreasonable to assume that every reader knows the intricacies of British and European election laws.

    – Kevin
    Mar 30 at 22:18





    @o.m.: Nothing goes without saying; it is unreasonable to assume that every reader knows the intricacies of British and European election laws.

    – Kevin
    Mar 30 at 22:18











    3














    No, the elections could be held on the same day, but it would be impractical to have a single ballot paper. The constituency boundaries are not the same, and some people are eligible to vote in European elections but not in UK elections. There would be two ballot papers.






    share|improve this answer
























    • I believe there are also people who can vote in the general election but not in the European parliament election.

      – phoog
      Mar 30 at 16:37











    • @phoog I’m not sure who that would be — do you have a reference?

      – Mike Scott
      Mar 30 at 16:42











    • @phoog Not correct. Anyone who is eligible to vote in a General Election can also vote in European Elections.

      – Joe C
      Mar 30 at 16:47











    • @JoeC "qualifying commonwealth citizens" can vote in general elections. Most citizens of commonwealth countries are not EU citizens, so as far as I understand it should not be eligible to vote in European parliament elections.

      – phoog
      Mar 30 at 17:08











    • @phoog Commonwealth citizens resident in the UK can vote in European elections even if their country of citizenship is not European. europarl.europa.eu/unitedkingdom/en/your-meps/…

      – Mike Scott
      Mar 30 at 17:11
















    3














    No, the elections could be held on the same day, but it would be impractical to have a single ballot paper. The constituency boundaries are not the same, and some people are eligible to vote in European elections but not in UK elections. There would be two ballot papers.






    share|improve this answer
























    • I believe there are also people who can vote in the general election but not in the European parliament election.

      – phoog
      Mar 30 at 16:37











    • @phoog I’m not sure who that would be — do you have a reference?

      – Mike Scott
      Mar 30 at 16:42











    • @phoog Not correct. Anyone who is eligible to vote in a General Election can also vote in European Elections.

      – Joe C
      Mar 30 at 16:47











    • @JoeC "qualifying commonwealth citizens" can vote in general elections. Most citizens of commonwealth countries are not EU citizens, so as far as I understand it should not be eligible to vote in European parliament elections.

      – phoog
      Mar 30 at 17:08











    • @phoog Commonwealth citizens resident in the UK can vote in European elections even if their country of citizenship is not European. europarl.europa.eu/unitedkingdom/en/your-meps/…

      – Mike Scott
      Mar 30 at 17:11














    3












    3








    3







    No, the elections could be held on the same day, but it would be impractical to have a single ballot paper. The constituency boundaries are not the same, and some people are eligible to vote in European elections but not in UK elections. There would be two ballot papers.






    share|improve this answer













    No, the elections could be held on the same day, but it would be impractical to have a single ballot paper. The constituency boundaries are not the same, and some people are eligible to vote in European elections but not in UK elections. There would be two ballot papers.







    share|improve this answer












    share|improve this answer



    share|improve this answer










    answered Mar 30 at 16:29









    Mike ScottMike Scott

    1,14047




    1,14047













    • I believe there are also people who can vote in the general election but not in the European parliament election.

      – phoog
      Mar 30 at 16:37











    • @phoog I’m not sure who that would be — do you have a reference?

      – Mike Scott
      Mar 30 at 16:42











    • @phoog Not correct. Anyone who is eligible to vote in a General Election can also vote in European Elections.

      – Joe C
      Mar 30 at 16:47











    • @JoeC "qualifying commonwealth citizens" can vote in general elections. Most citizens of commonwealth countries are not EU citizens, so as far as I understand it should not be eligible to vote in European parliament elections.

      – phoog
      Mar 30 at 17:08











    • @phoog Commonwealth citizens resident in the UK can vote in European elections even if their country of citizenship is not European. europarl.europa.eu/unitedkingdom/en/your-meps/…

      – Mike Scott
      Mar 30 at 17:11



















    • I believe there are also people who can vote in the general election but not in the European parliament election.

      – phoog
      Mar 30 at 16:37











    • @phoog I’m not sure who that would be — do you have a reference?

      – Mike Scott
      Mar 30 at 16:42











    • @phoog Not correct. Anyone who is eligible to vote in a General Election can also vote in European Elections.

      – Joe C
      Mar 30 at 16:47











    • @JoeC "qualifying commonwealth citizens" can vote in general elections. Most citizens of commonwealth countries are not EU citizens, so as far as I understand it should not be eligible to vote in European parliament elections.

      – phoog
      Mar 30 at 17:08











    • @phoog Commonwealth citizens resident in the UK can vote in European elections even if their country of citizenship is not European. europarl.europa.eu/unitedkingdom/en/your-meps/…

      – Mike Scott
      Mar 30 at 17:11

















    I believe there are also people who can vote in the general election but not in the European parliament election.

    – phoog
    Mar 30 at 16:37





    I believe there are also people who can vote in the general election but not in the European parliament election.

    – phoog
    Mar 30 at 16:37













    @phoog I’m not sure who that would be — do you have a reference?

    – Mike Scott
    Mar 30 at 16:42





    @phoog I’m not sure who that would be — do you have a reference?

    – Mike Scott
    Mar 30 at 16:42













    @phoog Not correct. Anyone who is eligible to vote in a General Election can also vote in European Elections.

    – Joe C
    Mar 30 at 16:47





    @phoog Not correct. Anyone who is eligible to vote in a General Election can also vote in European Elections.

    – Joe C
    Mar 30 at 16:47













    @JoeC "qualifying commonwealth citizens" can vote in general elections. Most citizens of commonwealth countries are not EU citizens, so as far as I understand it should not be eligible to vote in European parliament elections.

    – phoog
    Mar 30 at 17:08





    @JoeC "qualifying commonwealth citizens" can vote in general elections. Most citizens of commonwealth countries are not EU citizens, so as far as I understand it should not be eligible to vote in European parliament elections.

    – phoog
    Mar 30 at 17:08













    @phoog Commonwealth citizens resident in the UK can vote in European elections even if their country of citizenship is not European. europarl.europa.eu/unitedkingdom/en/your-meps/…

    – Mike Scott
    Mar 30 at 17:11





    @phoog Commonwealth citizens resident in the UK can vote in European elections even if their country of citizenship is not European. europarl.europa.eu/unitedkingdom/en/your-meps/…

    – Mike Scott
    Mar 30 at 17:11











    3














    If the elections are held on the same day, then two different ballot papers will be used. In London, when the Mayor and Assembly are elected at the same time, three different ballot papers are used (one for Mayor, one for Assembly Constituency Member, one for Assembly At-Large Members).



    These ballot papers will be different colours to help the voters, as well as the sorters at the count.






    share|improve this answer




























      3














      If the elections are held on the same day, then two different ballot papers will be used. In London, when the Mayor and Assembly are elected at the same time, three different ballot papers are used (one for Mayor, one for Assembly Constituency Member, one for Assembly At-Large Members).



      These ballot papers will be different colours to help the voters, as well as the sorters at the count.






      share|improve this answer


























        3












        3








        3







        If the elections are held on the same day, then two different ballot papers will be used. In London, when the Mayor and Assembly are elected at the same time, three different ballot papers are used (one for Mayor, one for Assembly Constituency Member, one for Assembly At-Large Members).



        These ballot papers will be different colours to help the voters, as well as the sorters at the count.






        share|improve this answer













        If the elections are held on the same day, then two different ballot papers will be used. In London, when the Mayor and Assembly are elected at the same time, three different ballot papers are used (one for Mayor, one for Assembly Constituency Member, one for Assembly At-Large Members).



        These ballot papers will be different colours to help the voters, as well as the sorters at the count.







        share|improve this answer












        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer










        answered Mar 30 at 16:48









        Joe CJoe C

        2,983429




        2,983429























            2














            Yes in the Netherlands we had such an election this month, however it was not on the same ballot and I think it's unlikely somewhere in the world the same ballot will be used.




            Provincial Council elections and water boards On March 20, 2019,
            elections took place in the Netherlands. You could choose the members
            of the Provincial Council. You were also allowed to vote for the
            eligible members of the board of your water board. The members of the
            Provincial Council then elect the members of the Senate. That will
            happen in May 2019.



            Final results Immediate results will be announced immediately after
            the elections. These results are only definitive if they have been
            approved by the Electoral Council. The Electoral Council will announce
            the final results on Monday, March 25, 2019 via news items on its own
            website.




            https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/verkiezingen/20-maart-2019-verkiezingen-provinciale-staten-en-waterschappen






            share|improve this answer





















            • 1





              Yes I forgot to mention that specifically. However I doubt they will ever just use 1 ballot anywhere.

              – Thomas
              Mar 30 at 14:32
















            2














            Yes in the Netherlands we had such an election this month, however it was not on the same ballot and I think it's unlikely somewhere in the world the same ballot will be used.




            Provincial Council elections and water boards On March 20, 2019,
            elections took place in the Netherlands. You could choose the members
            of the Provincial Council. You were also allowed to vote for the
            eligible members of the board of your water board. The members of the
            Provincial Council then elect the members of the Senate. That will
            happen in May 2019.



            Final results Immediate results will be announced immediately after
            the elections. These results are only definitive if they have been
            approved by the Electoral Council. The Electoral Council will announce
            the final results on Monday, March 25, 2019 via news items on its own
            website.




            https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/verkiezingen/20-maart-2019-verkiezingen-provinciale-staten-en-waterschappen






            share|improve this answer





















            • 1





              Yes I forgot to mention that specifically. However I doubt they will ever just use 1 ballot anywhere.

              – Thomas
              Mar 30 at 14:32














            2












            2








            2







            Yes in the Netherlands we had such an election this month, however it was not on the same ballot and I think it's unlikely somewhere in the world the same ballot will be used.




            Provincial Council elections and water boards On March 20, 2019,
            elections took place in the Netherlands. You could choose the members
            of the Provincial Council. You were also allowed to vote for the
            eligible members of the board of your water board. The members of the
            Provincial Council then elect the members of the Senate. That will
            happen in May 2019.



            Final results Immediate results will be announced immediately after
            the elections. These results are only definitive if they have been
            approved by the Electoral Council. The Electoral Council will announce
            the final results on Monday, March 25, 2019 via news items on its own
            website.




            https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/verkiezingen/20-maart-2019-verkiezingen-provinciale-staten-en-waterschappen






            share|improve this answer















            Yes in the Netherlands we had such an election this month, however it was not on the same ballot and I think it's unlikely somewhere in the world the same ballot will be used.




            Provincial Council elections and water boards On March 20, 2019,
            elections took place in the Netherlands. You could choose the members
            of the Provincial Council. You were also allowed to vote for the
            eligible members of the board of your water board. The members of the
            Provincial Council then elect the members of the Senate. That will
            happen in May 2019.



            Final results Immediate results will be announced immediately after
            the elections. These results are only definitive if they have been
            approved by the Electoral Council. The Electoral Council will announce
            the final results on Monday, March 25, 2019 via news items on its own
            website.




            https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/verkiezingen/20-maart-2019-verkiezingen-provinciale-staten-en-waterschappen







            share|improve this answer














            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer








            edited Mar 30 at 17:56

























            answered Mar 30 at 14:05









            ThomasThomas

            1213




            1213








            • 1





              Yes I forgot to mention that specifically. However I doubt they will ever just use 1 ballot anywhere.

              – Thomas
              Mar 30 at 14:32














            • 1





              Yes I forgot to mention that specifically. However I doubt they will ever just use 1 ballot anywhere.

              – Thomas
              Mar 30 at 14:32








            1




            1





            Yes I forgot to mention that specifically. However I doubt they will ever just use 1 ballot anywhere.

            – Thomas
            Mar 30 at 14:32





            Yes I forgot to mention that specifically. However I doubt they will ever just use 1 ballot anywhere.

            – Thomas
            Mar 30 at 14:32


















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