Survey: young Brits ready to embrace evoting

The over 55s, not so much

By Lucy Sherriff • Get more from this author

Posted in Public Sector, 27th April 2007 09:09 GMT

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As Britain braces for its latest foray into the world of electronic, remote and even internet voting, a survey has found that almost half of us think we'd be more likely to vote if we could do it online.

The YouGov poll of almost 2,300 people, carried out on behalf of NTL:Telewest's business unit, found that younger voters were even more positive about the idea of alternatives to the trusty ballot box. 57 per cent of 18-34 year olds liked the idea of evoting, but only a third of the over 55s were as keen.

In a press statement, NTL:Telewest's head of public sector, Christopher Small, commented: "Local government is often a shining example of how to provide online services, as such allowing local citizens to vote online would be very much in keeping with the digital age in which we now live.

"Trialling this tactic at a local government level should pave the way for e-voting in general elections, where voter turnout is also on the decrease."

However, research has shown that regardless of people's stated intentions, the manner in which people are allowed to vote makes very little difference to voter turn out. For instance, during the 2003 electronic voting trials, turnout in some areas actually fell.

We'll find out for sure after the polls close. In the meantime you can read more about the proposed trials here. ®

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