07/04/2003

E-voting pilot schemes introduced for local elections

Under electoral pilot programmes to be introduced for this May's local elections, up to 1.4 million people could be able to register their vote electronically.

Local Government Minister Nick Raynsford said that the new technology being piloted will not only make it easier to vote but will also make the process more efficient.

The electoral pilots aim to improve turnout, in particular amongst key groups of people who might otherwise be excluded - such as people who are working away from their registered area, younger voters, the elderly and people with mobility problems.

Mr Raynsford said: "For many people, voting electronically will be easier and more convenient. For some people with disabilities, e-voting could provide the first opportunity for them to vote personally.

"The pilots are an important step towards our aim of holding an e-enabled general election sometime after 2006 and the Government will be monitoring the impact of these pilots with great interest."

Nearly 60 local authorities are taking part in the pilot schemes including Manchester, Brighton and Hove, Newcastle, Windsor and Maidenhead, Medway and Ipswich.

The pilot have emerged out of a government initiative involving the Local Government Association and the Electoral Commission.

(GMcG)

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