David Cameron stays in 10 Downing street! It came as a surprise to nearly everyone, not least the large polling institutes whose predictions had been completely wrong. But we had a hunch: A few weeks before the election, the Newsnuggets went out and asked people in the street of Barnes how they would vote. It turned out that over 40 percent of the interviewees had not yet decided how to vote in the election.
If you are interested, our election special from before the vote is still available here on the website (see articles below).
Article from before the election
Recently, the whole group of Newsnugget reporters went out in the streets of Barnes to make a mini poll about the election. We asked people a few questions and made sure those we asked were above 18 (so that they will actually be able to vote on election day). We spoke with a good 20 people, which means that the results are not statistically secure. However, we find the outcome very intriguing and they support what other larger surveys have concluded.
1. Have you already decided how you will vote?
Yes – 57%
No – 43%
2. Have you changed your mind about the parties since the last election?
Yes – 19%
No – 67%
Maybe – 14%
3. What issues are most important to you?
Economy 46%
Education 25%
Health Service 14%
Environment 7%
Not spending money on war 7%
4. How important will the party leaders’ TV-debate be for your decision?
Very Important – 22%
Somewhat – 36 %
Not important 40%
5. Do you feel that at least one party represents your opinions well?
Yes – 57%
Not Really – 36%
No – 9%
Number of respondents: 22 (of which 9 men, 13 women)
I found it interesting that the answers were pretty evenly spread. I never knew that people change their vote year by year. Also, the economy was by far what people cared most about. They named jobs and taxes specifically when we talked to them.
By Noam