E-Voting In Swindon...

Swindon Council is one of just 30 local authorities across the country that have been given permission to trial so-called e-voting at the local elections on May 2.

This means that every voter will be able to vote by phone, mobile phone or computer when a third of the council is elected.  Concerns over the security of these options were ignored and the Government has pressed ahead with the scheme.

Traditional methods of voting by post or in person will remain.

The Government is keen to see this pilot schemes being used due to the worryingly low turnout in recent elections, including an extremely low 59% in the last General Election.

It is hoped by offering more ways to vote, it will help increase the turnout.

Whilst I hope the scheme does prove successful, I believe politicians need to look more at what we offer.  People will ultimately, and quite rightly so, only vote if they feel someone has earnt their vote.  It doesn't matter how easy you make voting, nothing will inspire people more than positive actions of politicians.