Unlock Democracy: Vote Match London launches

Unlock Democracy logo for press releases

Friday, 04, Apr 2008 12:00

Unlock Democracy is to proud announce the launch of its new Vote Match London web application. You can try this out by going to http://london.votematch.co.uk/.

Vote Match is a tool designed to help voters decide how to vote in elections. Tell it your opinion on 25 statements and it calculates which candidate and party you agree with the most. All ten Mayoral candidates and the thirteen political parties standing for the London-wide Assembly elections have provided their answers to a survey which forms the basis of the web application.

As well as matching their views against the candidates', voters can give specific issues they feel strongly about extra weight. The results screen enables them to examine the candidates' views in more detail and points them to where they can get more information.

Over in the Netherlands, "Stemwijzer" was used by 1-in-3 voters in their last parliamentary elections and is widely regarded as a trustworthy tool that helps to increase participation. Vote Matches are now used in the German, French, Swiss and Bulgarian elections - and now Unlock Democracy is launching it in the UK. London is just the first project - if all goes to plan we intend to roll out future Vote Matches for the European, Welsh, Scottish and UK Parliamentary elections.

Vote Match London has already garnered some positive reviews:

“I really welcome Vote Match because it allows people to check out their own views on issues and then to discover which candidates agree with them. The online aspect should especially appeal to younger and first time voters. Once people get interested they may go on sharing their views of how London should be run, through other channels. A great project, well done!” - Marian Larragy, Policy Participation Co-ordinator, London Civic Forum

“VoteMatch is clearly set out and simple to use tool with great potential to help inform and empower voters.” - Martin Hoscik, Editor of MayorWatch

“Anything that increases the likelihood of people to play a full and positive role in the democratic process is to be applauded. No less is this true than in the race for the London Mayor where turnout at the last elections in 2004 was 37%. If Vote Match can help people identify issues that matter to Londoners, and give them the confidence to use their voice and use their vote then all of London and wider democracy benefit.” - Ashok Viswanathan, Assistant Director, Operation Black Vote

“In a time of disengagement and cynicism the web increasingly provides a source of hope and opportunity to those committed to democratic renewal and engagement in the UK. Vote Match is a strikingly intelligent and original contribution to this effort” - Anthony Barnett, OurKingdom (part of the openDemocracy network)