The traditional electrifying election-night atmosphere could be gone forever because of legislation which means counting may continue into the next day.
British General Elections have traditionally been followed by live television coverage into the small hours, in which the results are analysed. In May 1997, two results epitomised Labour's success and the Tory failure - Gisela Stuart winning true-blue Edgbaston, in Birmingham, for Labour, and Labour's Stephen Twigg unseating high-profile Conservative Michael Portillo, in Enfield.
But measures to counter the fraud seen in local elections in Birmingham in 2004 could put an end to the late-night excitement.
Minister Bridget Prentice said the government was discussing whether counts should take place directly after polls closed on a Thursday, or on the following morning.
Officials will have to verify the signatures and dates of birth of postal voters, under the new legislation.
But the extra checks are likely to take hours, Mrs Prentice said.
Local government officials, who administer counts, were keen to move all counting to the following day, she said.
"The swingometer may have to have a decent night's sleep and be fresh and bright on Friday afternoon."
But she acknowledged that there was an equally strong argument from candidates that they would like the results on the night.
The government will see how counts proceed in local elections next year before deciding whether to amend its guidelines. Peter Snow, the presenter associated with the swingometer, said delayed counts could be more exciting.
"In February 1974, it was well into day two and after lunch before we knew what happened," he said.
Harold Wilson eventually won, forming a minority government.
