Unlock Democracy: Huge boost to Vote Match in final hours of election campaign

Unlock Democracy logo for press releases

Thursday, 01, May 2008 12:00

A record number of people have used the Vote Match tool to help decide how to vote in the run up to polling day, reports Unlock Democracy.

Vote Match, "London's largest online hustings," is an online quiz designed to help Londoners decide who to vote for in the elections for Mayor and Assembly. 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 policies 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.

1,000 people have used Vote Match in the last hour. 8,000 people have used the application in the last 24 hours, the same number who used it during the week before. More than 40,000 Londoners have now used the tool with many more expected on the day.

Director of Unlock Democracy Peter Facey said:

"With the polls suggesting the race for London Mayor is neck and neck, public interest in this election is much higher than it was four years ago. But it is also clear that there are a lot of people out there who are still undecided about how to vote.

"The election for Mayor is likely to be decided by second preference votes and even the small parties have a chance of gaining seats in the London Assembly. I would encourage as many people as possible to go out and vote. You have until 10pm tonight."

"Vote Match has been the internet phenomenon of the London elections and is a proven tool for increasing turnout in elections. We are delighted at how successful it has been and will be looking at how to replicate its success in this election during the European Elections next year and beyond."

The Vote Match quiz can be used by going to www.votematch.co.uk.

ENDS

1. Unlock Democracy, incorporating Charter 88, is the UK's leading campaign for democratic renewal and active engagement in the political process.

2. For more information, a quote or an interview, please contact James Graham on 020 7278 4443 / 07966 237550 / james.graham@unlockdemocracy.org.uk