18 October 2006

Local authorities are considering whether voting online could encourage more people to become a part of the democratic process.

As the Internet becomes a more integral part of people's day-to-day lives, government officials are hoping that e-voting may make the process simpler and more relevant for many.

The Department for Constitutional Affairs (DCA) also hopes that the accessibility of the Internet could make the process possible for some UK residents with disabilities, who may not be able to attend a polling station.

Voting over the Internet could take place in citizen's homes, but also in specialised, supervised kiosks, which will be made available during an election.

Bridget Prentice, democracy minister at the DCA, said: "More and more people, and particularly young people, are using the Internet in our daily lives.

"We need to respond to this to enable people to participate in elections and the democratic process."

The new ideas have been set out in a prospectus for May 2007, with e-voting forming one of the "primary focuses" of pilot schemes to take place.

© Adfero Ltd

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