Menu
27/08/2004
All-postal voting should be abandoned, says watchdog
The all-postal voting pilots that were carried in northern England during the European elections were marred by problems and should not be pursued in the future, the Electoral Commission has found.
In its independent report, 'Delivering democracy? The future of postal voting', the elections watchdog found that – despite the delivery of a successful set of elections and improved levels of participation – the timescale imposed, complexity of the voting method, logistical issues, and reports of abuse had a damaging effect on public confidence.
While it has previously supported all postal voting for local elections, the Commission said that the strength of public criticism of a single voting method, all-postal voting should no longer be pursued for use at UK elections.
The Commission findings came in its evaluation of the June electoral pilots in the North West, North East, East Midlands and Yorkshire and the Humber.
Instead a new model should be devised that allows voters to go to polling stations if they wish, while retaining the best features of all-postal voting.
Sam Younger, Chairman of The Electoral Commission, said: "We remain committed to a goal of multi-channel elections, provided that levels of security and confidence can be maintained, working towards true 21st century democracy where electors choose the method, day and time to vote. However, the law and policy supporting remote voting methods need further reform before secure and convenient elections can be delivered."
Turnout increased in the European Parliamentary elections to 42.4% across the four pilot regions – over 5% higher than the non-pilot regions (37.1%), and nearly 4% above the UK figure (38.5%).
Despite convenience being cited as the main satisfaction factor for voters in the pilot regions, a significant minority was strongly opposed to all postal voting exacerbated almost certainly by negative media reporting.
The Commission said that it would develop a foundation model for voting, offering electors both choice and security, in consultation with government officials, electoral administrators, political parties, and access and security experts, which it will report by 31 March 2005. In the meantime there should be a moratorium on any further piloting, the Commission concluded.
(gmcg)
In its independent report, 'Delivering democracy? The future of postal voting', the elections watchdog found that – despite the delivery of a successful set of elections and improved levels of participation – the timescale imposed, complexity of the voting method, logistical issues, and reports of abuse had a damaging effect on public confidence.
While it has previously supported all postal voting for local elections, the Commission said that the strength of public criticism of a single voting method, all-postal voting should no longer be pursued for use at UK elections.
The Commission findings came in its evaluation of the June electoral pilots in the North West, North East, East Midlands and Yorkshire and the Humber.
Instead a new model should be devised that allows voters to go to polling stations if they wish, while retaining the best features of all-postal voting.
Sam Younger, Chairman of The Electoral Commission, said: "We remain committed to a goal of multi-channel elections, provided that levels of security and confidence can be maintained, working towards true 21st century democracy where electors choose the method, day and time to vote. However, the law and policy supporting remote voting methods need further reform before secure and convenient elections can be delivered."
Turnout increased in the European Parliamentary elections to 42.4% across the four pilot regions – over 5% higher than the non-pilot regions (37.1%), and nearly 4% above the UK figure (38.5%).
Despite convenience being cited as the main satisfaction factor for voters in the pilot regions, a significant minority was strongly opposed to all postal voting exacerbated almost certainly by negative media reporting.
The Commission said that it would develop a foundation model for voting, offering electors both choice and security, in consultation with government officials, electoral administrators, political parties, and access and security experts, which it will report by 31 March 2005. In the meantime there should be a moratorium on any further piloting, the Commission concluded.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 April 2005
Concerns rise over potential postal vote fraud
Concerns are rising that a dramatic increase in postal voting applications could lead to fraud in the next general election. A Guardian survey of twenty key marginal constituencies indicated that postal voting was “soaring”, with applications in some areas increasing by more than 300% since the last general election in 2001.
Concerns rise over potential postal vote fraud
Concerns are rising that a dramatic increase in postal voting applications could lead to fraud in the next general election. A Guardian survey of twenty key marginal constituencies indicated that postal voting was “soaring”, with applications in some areas increasing by more than 300% since the last general election in 2001.
02 May 2003
UK’s pilot voting schemes hailed as success
Voter apathy was a hallmark of the recent elections, as only a third of the electorate turned to cast their votes, but various pilot voting schemes have been hailed as a success.
UK’s pilot voting schemes hailed as success
Voter apathy was a hallmark of the recent elections, as only a third of the electorate turned to cast their votes, but various pilot voting schemes have been hailed as a success.
24 April 2003
Local election test ground for e-voting
New ways to vote, including Digital TV, text messaging, touch-tone telephone, internet and voting at electronic kiosks, are set to be piloted in English council elections. This year 17 e-voting pilot schemes are taking place, giving 1.4 million people the opportunity to vote electronically.
Local election test ground for e-voting
New ways to vote, including Digital TV, text messaging, touch-tone telephone, internet and voting at electronic kiosks, are set to be piloted in English council elections. This year 17 e-voting pilot schemes are taking place, giving 1.4 million people the opportunity to vote electronically.
09 October 2014
Voting Underway In Essex And Gtr Manchester By-Elections
Voting is underway in by-elections in Clacton, Essex, and Heywood and Middleton, Greater Manchester. Five candidates are contesting the Gtr Manchester seat of Labour's Jim Dobbin, who died earlier this year. Eight candidates are contesting the Clacton seat, vacated by MP Douglas Carswell when he defected from the Conservative Party to UKIP.
Voting Underway In Essex And Gtr Manchester By-Elections
Voting is underway in by-elections in Clacton, Essex, and Heywood and Middleton, Greater Manchester. Five candidates are contesting the Gtr Manchester seat of Labour's Jim Dobbin, who died earlier this year. Eight candidates are contesting the Clacton seat, vacated by MP Douglas Carswell when he defected from the Conservative Party to UKIP.
04 May 2006
Voting under way in local elections
Voting is under way in the local council elections in England. In all 4,360 council seats are up for election in 176 out of the 386 councils, including all 32 London boroughs. Around a third of the seats are also up for election in 36 metropolitan authorities and 20 unitary authorities.
Voting under way in local elections
Voting is under way in the local council elections in England. In all 4,360 council seats are up for election in 176 out of the 386 councils, including all 32 London boroughs. Around a third of the seats are also up for election in 36 metropolitan authorities and 20 unitary authorities.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Cloudy with longer spells of rain during the morning, this rain heavy at times. Generally brighter in the afternoon, but with scattered and at times heavy showers. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A mainly dry evening and night with isolated showers dying out and some longer clear spells. Then it will cloud over towards morning with some heavy showers. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
