THE  ELECTION   OF  PARLIAMENT	189
the general principles and policy of his party, but to discuss
some problem in which the voter has a personal interest. **Why
is my rent so high?" "When shall I be able to get a job again?"
"What sort of a chance in life does your policy offer to my
children?" " My husband was killed in the War; what can you
do to stop wars in the future?" A confident answer that every-
thing will be put right will not serve; the elector wants to know
what are the difficulties in the way and how far they can be
overcome; in effect, does the would-be M.P. know the problems
of the people he proposes to represent, and can he discuss those
problems sensibly? If the candidate cannot pass this test he has
missed his vocation. The direct contact of canvassing can save
the politician from elaborating far-seeing plans which neglect
immediate issues; if the knowledge gained is properly used
the programmes of parties can be kept dose to reality.
Some electors shut the door on the canvasser as soon as they
learn that he is not of their party; but often even opponents
will listen or take a leaflet to read, saying that "It is nice to hear
both sides". This remark is the stamp of a politically civilised
person, and the frequency with which it is heard is a good
augury for the future of liberty in this country.
If die canvassers have time to complete their work, its fruit
is a copy of the Voting Register, in the agent's hands, with a
fall record of "Fors" "Againsts" and "Doubtfals". When
Polling Day comes the organisation works to ensure that all
known supporters vote. Cars lent by friends are used to bring
in the infirm, the removals, and, toward the end of the day,
anyone who can be persuaded. The poll is open from 8 a.m. to
8 p.m., or 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. if any candidate has asked for"such an
extension. Each of the polling stations is cared for by a Presiding
Officer and assistants, with a policeman in attendance. The
intending voter gives his name and address, and his right to vote
is checked from a copy of tie Register. He is then given a voting
paper, retires to a booth to put a cross against the name of the
candidate he supports, and thrusts the paper into the Ballot-box.