Poll results

Fear and loathing ahead of the British election

A month away from another national election, British voters aren’t exactly gushing with excitement. According to a poll released by YouGov on Monday, positive sentiment about the vote is scarce, with just 7 percent of the country admitting to feeling enthusiastic, let alone excited (5 percent) or proud (1 percent) about the upcoming election.

Instead, the atmosphere is one of fear and loathing. A quarter of the country actually said they would use the word “fear” to describe their feelings about the vote. Fifteen percent said they felt anger, while 14 percent said they were simply confused. And whether through aloofness or despondence, 27 percent said none of the words offered matched their feelings.

This grim appraisal of Britain’s election, due to be held Dec. 12, reflects the fact that for so many, the election reflects not progress but gridlock.