With the UK’s general election just days away, British voters have seen their TV screens, mailboxes, and newsfeeds fill with color. Political parties know that using a single, bold shade can make them easier to recognize. The ruling Conservatives’ blue will go head-to-head with Labour’s red. Other smaller parties across the British political system offer a variety of colors, such as orange, turquoise, and green. Color in campaigning became significant with the advent of new technology and advertising between the 1950s and 1970s. Certain colors in politics have long been associated with values and ideologies. Labour’s red represents its alliance with trade unions, while the Conservative Party has historically adopted the colors of the UK’s flag. Smaller parties choose colors based on connections with their ideologies or to stand out. Colors are not consistently tied to specific ideologies worldwide. When it comes to voting, the ballot papers are black and white.
