Never mind the ballots

The decision to press ahead with postal ballots shows just how desperate New Labour is to reconnect with the public.

The idea of having all votes cast by post was trialled in four areas this year. By common consent, these pilots were judged to be a disaster. Ballot papers were produced late and many didn't arrive in time. There were widespread allegations of fraud as masses of ballot papers were gathered up and filled in by activists rather than voters. The government's Electoral Commission concluded that the postal ballots were a bad idea and should be abandoned.

But the silver lining on this cloud was that turnout rose markedly. 'The turnout subsequently achieved in the North East regional referendum underlined, in the government's view, the value of all-postal voting in maximising participation, notwithstanding the conventional basis for the next general election', said a spokesman for deputy prime minister, John Prescott. So, a political decision has been made not just to try again but to allow the roll-out of all-postal ballots across the country. On paper, at least, the government will be able to show that more people have participated, strengthening their claim to legitimacy.

In reality, the majority of people will be as disengaged as ever. And if allegations of fraud become even more widespread, the outcome may even increase cynicism about politics.

Fraud fears as post replaces the ballot box, The Times (London), 10 December 2004

Cheating on democracy, by Frank Furedi