Poor voter turnout has been a growing problem in local elections in the last decade but a new survey suggests that e-voting could encourage more Brits to perform their democratic duty.

Due to the spiralling numbers of Brits with broadband internet connections 46 per cent say that e-voting would make them more likely to make their contribution to the ballot box, according to ntl:Telewest Business.

Some 57 per cent of 18 to 34 year-olds were in favour of the idea but only a third of over-55s agreed with them. Previous research has shown that older people are far more likely to vote than their younger compatriots.

Christopher Small, director of public sector at ntl:Telewest Business, said: "An estimated ten million UK households use broadband to access the internet and there are an estimated 4,789 local libraries in the UK that offer free internet access.

"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."

Whitehall has announced that 13 local authorities will test alternative voting methods in the coming local elections on May 3rd, including telephone, internet voting and central polling stations for people to vote from outside their polling districts.




Thursday, 26th April 2007

Back to Broadband News

Provider	Package	Speed	Download Limit	Setup Cost	Monthly Cost	More Info
	O2 Broadband - Standard	Up To 8Mbps	Unlimited *	FREE	£7.34	Go >>
	TalkTalk Broadband - Essentials	Up To 8Mbps	40GB	£29.99	£6.49	Go >>
	BT Broadband - Option 1	Up To 8Mbps	10GB	FREE	£7.78	Go >>
	BT Broadband - Option 2	Up To 8Mbps	15GB	FREE	£13.69	Go >>
	Virgin Media Broadband - M - Cable	Up To 2Mbps	Unlimited *	£40.00	£4.50	Go >>

* Fair Usage Policy applies. Click on Go to find out more information and Fair Usage Policy conditions for relevant providers.

** All Costs excludes the cost of line rental.

† Speeds in excess of 2 meg are only available in certain areas. Top speeds vary significantly, particularly according to how far away you live from the exchange.
If your line won’t support our fastest broadband speed we’ll give you the best available. The speed you actually get can also vary depending on the quality of your line, the wiring in your house, the time of day and even the weather.