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[sflufan]

I'd hate to be the MI5 agent who is rubbing out all the "Leave" votes and changing them to "Remain." What a boring job.

Perhaps this is more of a GCHQ task rather than MI5.

 

[GAMEPROFF]

Thanks for posting this. It's essentially what our Leave campaigners have been saying over the last few weeks (or years in UKIPs case).

Nice to hear an outside voice.

But its bullshit. The PM is the one who ignores the referendum, he is the one who should take actions in bruessel.

Even if, why should even the netherlands decide over the stuff?

 

[mrklaw]

Pens at my polling station. Fancy.

Quite busy too, now people have finished their work.

We had a choice of pen or pencil in our booths.

 

[Phantast2k]

Perhaps a bit late and not sure if posted already, copied from a well know blog in the Netherlands:

Dear Brits,

Allow us a minute of your time to tell you an anecdote about democracy in the European Union.

Last April, the Netherlands held a national referendum on the EU Association Treaty with Ukraine. We, the organisers, wanted to have a more direct say in European Union developments, because we are worried about the ongoing and highly undemocratic expansionism of the EU. No government in Europe should be allowed to make far-reaching decisions without a majority consent.

So we set out to do something about it, and thanks to a successful Internet campaign and nearly half a million signatures, we forced our government to hold a referendum.

On April 6, a convincing 61 percent of the Dutch voters said "No" to the undesirable Association Treaty. So was that the end of that? Was democracy saved from the talons of the EU technocrats?

Unfortunately, no. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, forced by his betters in Brussels, decided to completely ignore the outcome of the referendum. The Dutch voter was shunned by their national leaders, and, once again, democratic voices were muffled by the unelected officials of the European Union.

As the organizers of the Dutch referendum, we are not here to meddle in your national business. Dear Lord no -- We're not Brussels. But we do feel a need to tell you our story. Because democracy matters. And in the European Union - the people's voices are silenced and shunned.

Read and share our story. Decide for yourself how highly you value the sovereignty of your national democracy. And cast your vote accordingly on June 23rd.

With love,
Your democratic friends from the Netherlands

Representative democracy - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[Bits N Pieces]

Anybody going to be up watching the results throughout the night?

Probably until about 2:30, big decision is what channel to wat h the coverage on ?

 

[ferrasvansen]

But its bullshit. The PM is the one who ignores the referendum, he is the one who should take actions in bruessel.

Even if, why should even the netherlands decide over the stuff?

It's funny but when outside voices were telling us to remain vote leave were saying mind your own business it's amazing how they change their mind when it suits them.

 

[CCS]

Probably until about 2:30, big decision is what channel to wat h the coverage on ?

BBC are always best.

Man, hope London doesn't become a major issue.

 

[danowat]

BBC are always best.

Man, hope London doesn't become a major issue.

But Jeremy bloody vine though....

 

[avaya]

It's funny but when outside voices were telling us to remain vote leave were saying mind your own business it's amazing how they change their mind when it suits them.

Sssshhhh. No facts now, just MI5.

 

[dark10x]

Those voting Leave come off as self-centered, selfish people that don't give a shit about anyone else. It's like Trump supporters invaded England and have convinced themselves that screwing the rest of the world is going to fix everything.

 

[Geminosity]

Am I a conspiracist if I took a long a pen to vote because the pencils at our voting booths tend to be a bit crap?

I don't really know why anyone would think a pen would be any kind of protection from conspiracy stuff anyhoo: if someone legitimately wanted to fix the votes all they have to do is mark the other box on anyone who votes 'wrong' and it would have to be discarded as invalid, therefore removing it from the poll :3

Those voting Leave come off as self-centered, selfish people that don't give a shit about anyone else. It's like Trump supporters invaded England and have convinced themselves that screwing the rest of the world is going to fix everything.

It's this kind of collectivist thinking where everyone isn't in 'your camp' is some kind of hivemind or sweeping generalisation that I've come to dislike quite strongly during the referendum. I know plenty of people on either side but oddly I'm able to think of them as individuals with their own thoughts and reasons rather than an 'in' person or 'out' person for derision.

 

[Matt_]

Just got back, and although I was in and out in seconds there was a shit ton of people coming and going. Saw about ten people with polling cards walking down the street and the car park was chokka

Even if the vote doesnt go the way I hope it's nice to know that people are getting involved

 

[CCS]

But Jeremy bloody vine though....

Every silver lining has a cloud and all that

 

[RiggyRob]

I think my favourite poster of this whole thing is a picture of a 65+ couple captioned:

'Votes to leave the EU

Dies before becoming a victim of that decision.'

 

[Dougald]

My sisters in law are now having an argument because one voted leave and the other remain

I'm staying well out of it, yelling at a person is not the way to get them to change their politics

 

[MacBosse]

So hardly anyone thinks leave will win then?

 

[Portugeezer]

Press down really hard on the pencil, so over several times until it's almost ripping the paper. Everyone is happy.

 

[Scousefury]

Lovely Sunshine up in Liverpool voted remain of course, asked the guy about turnout and he said it was really good.

No pen dickheads, but im worried about the result non the less.

 

[Audioboxer]

My sisters in law are now having an argument because one voted leave and the other remain

I'm staying well out of it, yelling at a person is not the way to get them to change their politics

Quickly ask them black jacks vs fruit salads. Clearly they'll agree and be happier.

 

[SymbiantXenos]

Bloody pencils coming in here and stealing our jobs.

#useapen

 

[*Splinter]

Lovely Sunshine up in Liverpool voted remain of course, asked the guy about turnout and he said it was really good.

No pen dickheads, but im worried about the result non the less.

Don't worry, all those voting with a pen will have smudged ballots that have to be discarded

#PencilMasterRace

 

[Geminosity]

So hardly anyone thinks leave will win then?

I voted leave and I don't even think leave will win

 

[CCS]

I'd love to know how many people are deciding in the ballot box, either because they were genuinely undecided or because they switched at the last minute. Based off the anecdotal evidence it seems like it could be a reasonably large number.

 

[Philly40]

Out of interest, why don't more people opt for a postal vote?

There's always a small risk that something may come up on the day to stop you getting to the polling station, and people with long working hours / long commutes are especially susceptible.

 

[Chinner]

The pen thing really shows the world that leave voters live in, they literally live in fear and paranoia.

 

[avaya]

Out of interest, why don't more people opt for a postal vote?

There's always a small risk that something may come up on the day to stop you getting to the polling station, and people with long working hours / long commutes are especially susceptible.

Too lazy. Costing me 140 quid in taxi fare for my stupidity.

 

[Ravensmash]

Thanks for posting this. It's essentially what our Leave campaigners have been saying over the last few weeks (or years in UKIPs case).

Nice to hear an outside voice.

From doing a bit of quick searching on this referendum, it sounds like the Referendum was not ratified despite the promise of Rutte.

It then went to a vote in their Parliament and the referendum result was rejected.

Of course, the Daily Express (the first source I found, didn't bother telling me that).

http://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/662768/Dutch-referendum-EU-Brussels-Brexit-Ukraine-deal-visa-free-travel

http://www.politico.eu/article/netherlands-sticks-with-eu-ukraine-deal-despite-referendum-no-vote/

 

[Hazzuh]

Those voting Leave come off as self-centered, selfish people that don't give a shit about anyone else. It's like Trump supporters invaded England and have convinced themselves that screwing the rest of the world is going to fix everything.

As someone voting Remain I think there are perfectly reasonable arguments on both sides, no need to be so hostile. We had enough of that in the campaign.

 

[dark10x]

Am I a conspiracist if I took a long a pen to vote because the pencils at our voting booths tend to be a bit crap?

I don't really know why anyone would think a pen would be any kind of protection from conspiracy stuff anyhoo: if someone legitimately wanted to fix the votes all they have to do is mark the other box on anyone who votes 'wrong' and it would have to be discarded as invalid, therefore removing it from the poll :3


It's this kind of collectivist thinking where everyone isn't in 'your camp' is some kind of hivemind or sweeping generalisation that I've come to dislike quite strongly during the referendum. I know plenty of people on either side but oddly I'm able to think of them as individuals with their own thoughts and reasons rather than an 'in' person or 'out' person for derision.

So you do care about us in Europe then? Great.

 

[danowat]

The pen thing really shows the world that leave voters live in, they literally live in fear and paranoia.

Shows how many people have never voted, been pencils ever since I can remember.

 

[Roberto Larcos]

Out of interest, why don't more people opt for a postal vote?

There's always a small risk that something may come up on the day to stop you getting to the polling station, and people with long working hours / long commutes are especially susceptible.

For me, fear of Correos.

 

[Geminosity]

So you do care about us in Europe then? Great.

Sure I do. The EU isn't europe. I think we'd all be better off with some other attempt at a European Union than the current one, but staying in isn't going to fix it. I feel by voting 'remain' I'd be indirectly giving my approval of the current running of the EU. It says nothing about my stance on europe itself or the people who live in it :3

<3

 

[BenjaminBirdie]

Just got back, and although I was in and out in seconds there was a shit ton of people coming and going. Saw about ten people with polling cards walking down the street and the car park was chokka

Even if the vote doesnt go the way I hope it's nice to know that people are getting involved

No matter what happens today I hope we as a global community never lose the legitimate delightfulness and brilliance of bBritish slang.

It's my favorite thing.

 

[*Splinter]

From doing a bit of quick searching on this referendum, it sounds like the Referendum was not ratified despite the promise of Rutte.

It then went to a vote in their Parliament and the referendum result was rejected.

Of course, the Daily Express (the first source I found, didn't bother telling me that).

http://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/662768/Dutch-referendum-EU-Brussels-Brexit-Ukraine-deal-visa-free-travel

http://www.politico.eu/article/netherlands-sticks-with-eu-ukraine-deal-despite-referendum-no-vote/

Ah the right wing's old nemesis: a quick bit of research

 

[jufonuk]

The pen thing really shows the world that leave voters live in, they literally live in fear and paranoia.

Compared to the hardcore Brexiters and the #Penspiracy, my belief in the existence of UFOs and possibility alien life doesn't seem so mad in comparison now does it?

 

[Stumpokapow]

Perhaps a bit late and not sure if posted already, copied from a well know blog in the Netherlands:

Dear Brits,

Allow us a minute of your time to tell you an anecdote about democracy in the European Union.

Last April, the Netherlands held a national referendum on the EU Association Treaty with Ukraine. We, the organisers, wanted to have a more direct say in European Union developments, because we are worried about the ongoing and highly undemocratic expansionism of the EU. No government in Europe should be allowed to make far-reaching decisions without a majority consent.

So we set out to do something about it, and thanks to a successful Internet campaign and nearly half a million signatures, we forced our government to hold a referendum.

On April 6, a convincing 61 percent of the Dutch voters said "No" to the undesirable Association Treaty. So was that the end of that? Was democracy saved from the talons of the EU technocrats?

Unfortunately, no. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, forced by his betters in Brussels, decided to completely ignore the outcome of the referendum. The Dutch voter was shunned by their national leaders, and, once again, democratic voices were muffled by the unelected officials of the European Union.

As the organizers of the Dutch referendum, we are not here to meddle in your national business. Dear Lord no -- We're not Brussels. But we do feel a need to tell you our story. Because democracy matters. And in the European Union - the people's voices are silenced and shunned.

Read and share our story. Decide for yourself how highly you value the sovereignty of your national democracy. And cast your vote accordingly on June 23rd.

With love,
Your democratic friends from the Netherlands

p.s. vote for geert, he says what he means!!!

 

[ag-my001]

Curious American here:

From what I've read a close Remain win seems most likely, but what would that really mean? I saw the last big vote was a 2-1 margin, so yeah, that seems reasonable to stand for a generation or two. What about a 52-48 outcome? Does that buy 5-10 years, or will some try to talk up a "mandate from the people" for another 20+ year interval?

 

[popo]

Why are postal votes not more popular? All my family voted last week. No rush, no fuss.

 

[jufonuk]

Why are postal votes not more popular? All my family voted last week. No rush, no fuss.

because the Mi5 can steal your post

 

[Geminosity]

Why are postal votes not more popular? All my family voted last week. No rush, no fuss.

No idea. I vote in person because the voting station is an easy, short walk away and it's open all day so it's no major fuss for me :3

 

[ClosingADoor]

Perhaps a bit late and not sure if posted already, copied from a well know blog in the Netherlands:

Dear Brits,

Allow us a minute of your time to tell you an anecdote about democracy in the European Union.

Last April, the Netherlands held a national referendum on the EU Association Treaty with Ukraine. We, the organisers, wanted to have a more direct say in European Union developments, because we are worried about the ongoing and highly undemocratic expansionism of the EU. No government in Europe should be allowed to make far-reaching decisions without a majority consent.

So we set out to do something about it, and thanks to a successful Internet campaign and nearly half a million signatures, we forced our government to hold a referendum.

On April 6, a convincing 61 percent of the Dutch voters said "No" to the undesirable Association Treaty. So was that the end of that? Was democracy saved from the talons of the EU technocrats?

Unfortunately, no. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, forced by his betters in Brussels, decided to completely ignore the outcome of the referendum. The Dutch voter was shunned by their national leaders, and, once again, democratic voices were muffled by the unelected officials of the European Union.

As the organizers of the Dutch referendum, we are not here to meddle in your national business. Dear Lord no -- We're not Brussels. But we do feel a need to tell you our story. Because democracy matters. And in the European Union - the people's voices are silenced and shunned.

Read and share our story. Decide for yourself how highly you value the sovereignty of your national democracy. And cast your vote accordingly on June 23rd.

With love,
Your democratic friends from the Netherlands

Haha, what a bunch of bullshit. Referendum with 32% of people showing up - so much for a "convincing" number. Pushed forward by a group that was interested in lining their own pocket and committing what was basically fraud to my eyes. One they themselves admitted just picked the first subject available instead of really caring about it, to make use of a new law. Which was made by an issue that the referendum itself wasn't even about. A referendum that was only for advice, and the government was free to push it aside.

If we had shown up in the numbers that are now seemingly showing up in the UK (70-80%) then they'd had a case. Now, not so much. People actively ignored the referendum so it wouldn't go passed the 30% tress hold. It barely did. And even then the difference wasn't that overwhelming.

And that post is by GeenStijl, a right wing blog that has a clear agenda. One that was started by a group of people who just liked to create a mess and kick against everything. And when they smelled money at the public broadcasting sector, they turned on everything they for years were against, to then make the cheapest shows possible and get that fine public broadcasting money. Fine bunch that is.

 

[avaya]

Those voting Leave come off as self-centered, selfish people that don't give a shit about anyone else. It's like Trump supporters invaded England and have convinced themselves that screwing the rest of the world is going to fix everything.

Flatmate went on a date last night. She is French, guy brought up the referendum. She quizzed him on why he wanted to leave, he turned it into an argument as she refuted his reasons with clear facts. He admitted it was purely emotional, could not give a damn about economic impact etc. She promptly got up and said, "good luck with that, my euros will be 30% more valuable here tomorrow if you win."

The MI5 agents in the bar cheered.

 

[dapperbandit]

Voted Leave, used a pen

#tradedealswithit

 

[Dougald]

Quickly ask them black jacks vs fruit salads. Clearly they'll agree and be happier.

That could make it even worse though

 

[SuperSah]

Just read on the Guardian that 4 final polls gave remain an edge but 2 put leave ahead.

This could well and truly be similar to the Tories' unprecedented landslide victory of last year.


The reality of Leave is very much a real thing.

 

[Bek Sloy]

Curious American here:

From what I've read a close Remain win seems most likely, but what would that really mean? I saw the last big vote was a 2-1 margin, so yeah, that seems reasonable to stand for a generation or two. What about a 52-48 outcome? Does that buy 5-10 years, or will some try to talk up a "mandate from the people" for another 20+ year interval?

The likelihood of another referendum is extremely low; the vote we have today will mean that only in exceptional circumstances would something push one forward, something that would affect people markedly. Some might say such a thing would be Turkish membership into the EU, but I'm assuming that there would be no say on that directly, only through MEPs and the EU itself.

 

[Philly40]

Too lazy. Costing me 140 quid in taxi fare for my stupidity.

Ouch!


I think that's one of the reasons I go by post - deep down if I was in your position I'd probably not bother and justify it to myself "It's only one vote - won't make much of a difference"

 

[milanbaros]

Why are postal votes not more popular? All my family voted last week. No rush, no fuss.

Less trust that it will be counted.

Also, the risk you change your mind. What if something fraudulent was uncovered etc.

 

[danowat]

Just read on the Guardian that 4 final polls gave remain an edge but 2 put leave ahead.

This could well and truly be similar to the Tories' unprecedented landslide victory of last year.


The reality of Leave is very much a real thing.

It's exciting and scary at the same time.

Bit like having a wank at work.

 

[BossDarkseid]

No idea. I vote in person because the voting station is an easy, short walk away and it's open all day so it's no major fuss for me :3

This for me. Polling station is 5 or 10 mins walk