Voters turned away from polling stations in UK general elections

May 7, 2010 Scores of polling stations in the United Kingdom have been unable to cope with one of the highest voter turn outs in thirty years, leaving thousands of voters unable to cast their vote in yesterday's general election.

Police had to intervene in, , and when angry voters refused to leave after the 10.00pm deadline. Elsewhere voters were turned away before ten when polling stations ran out of ballot papers. A late surge in voter registrations also saw hundreds of voters eligible to vote but unable to because had not been updated.

The sets national standards for elections, and promised an inquiry into elections where people were unable to vote.

The of each constituency is legally independent and is personally responsible for the local conduct of the election. Returning officers are appointed and funded by local authorities.