Unlock Democracy repeats call for increased ballot security following report

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Monday, 28, Apr 2008 12:00

Unlock Democracy has welcomed the launch of a new Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust report "Purity of Elections in the UK" by Stuart Wilks-Heeg, which exposes the degree to which the current electoral system is vulnerable to fraud. The campaign organisation has repeated its call for the government to introduce increased security measures to restore public trust in the system.

Commenting, Director of Unlock Democracy Peter Facey said:

"The government ran out of excuses for not introducing a system of individual voter registration at the very least several years ago. Its concerns that such a system would lead to fewer people being registered are misplaced. The current system of household registration is not only insecure but masks the true level of political disengagement in the UK.

"The report makes the very important point that increased security needn't be highly technical or expensive. Requiring voters to provide identification at the polling station as is the practice in Northern Ireland would be quick and simple to introduce as most people could simply use identification they already possess such as their driver's license or passport. It is unacceptable for the government to insist that such measures must be introduced in one part of the United Kingdom but not in the rest.

"There has been a record number of convictions for electoral fraud in recent years and we are likely to see more as a result of the 2008 elections. The government can no longer afford to be complacent about this and must introduce legislation at the earliest opportunity."

ENDS

Notes:

Unlock Democracy, incorporating Charter 88, is the UK's leading campaign for democratic renewal and active engagement in the political process. A cross-party organisation, it is not affiliated to any political party and does not endorse any candidate in the London elections.

For more information, a quote or an interview, please contact James Graham on 020 7278 4443 / 07966 237550.