Postal Ballots

A few people have expressed some concerns about the Postal Ballot being adopted for the European Elections in June 2004.

It is entirely understandable, in the present climate over the reliability of the Royal Mail that this is the case.

I have supported the Postal Ballot Pilot after it has been carefully considered and piloted in local elections in the past. I believe that whilst many potential concerns are expressed the fact that they have largely not been a problem so far where they have been carried out suggests the practical worries can be overcome.

Some have commentated that it is sad that it has come to this - we need to make it so easy for people to vote and they can't be bothered to spend 10 minutes every few years exercising their democratic right. I agree. I think it is a duty of everybody to take part in an election - even if it is to spoil the ballot paper in protest for example. To sit on your hands and trot out the same tired cliche for basically not being bothered is quite frankly pathetic. If you don't like 'any of the above' I suggest you put yourself up for election. It is quite easy.

After the election I hope we will look carefully at the experiment and assess its impact thoughtfully. In future, at most elections, I would still like to see the Ballot Box being physically available for people to cast their vote in person.

June 2004