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)