The course of true democracy never did run smooth, as proved at some hapless polling stations in yesterday's election fever. We say fever... it was more like a mild sweat.
Polling officials in Barnet were certainly sweating when their ballot papers didn't turn up on time for the earlybird 7am start, disappointing voters eager to elect before work. All was well by 7.21am precisely, though so let's hope the briefly disenfranchised were able to hang on or dip back later that night.
More dubious were claims of spoilt votes in Croydon and Lambeth due to polling officials allegedly writing voting card numbers on the back of ballot papers. Election bosses are investigating although only around 10 papers were thought to be affected.
In such a close contest though, every vote counts.
Meanwhile, electronic vote counting continues at Ally Pally, Olympia and Excel and the mayoral victor will be announced at City Hall tonight. Keep an eye on London Elects for the results as they come in.
Image courtesy of Ben Scicluna's Flickrstream.
