Worcestershire | Archive | 2003 | November | 07
From the archive, first published Friday 7th Nov 2003.
POSTAL elections in Here-fordshire cost 25 per cent more than a normal poll but delivered a big increase in turnout, according to an official report on the experiment.
As part of a trial, postal voting replaced the traditional polling stations at the local government elections in May.
A report from the Electoral Commission into the trial is due to be presented to Herefordshire councillors at a meeting this morning (Friday).
It says the overall turnout in May was 58.3 per cent, with a total of 75,883 ballot papers returned, compared to 36.85 per cent in May 2000.
The commission said the increase was because of the new system.
The commission is also consulting on proposals to drop the voting age from the current 18. It is also seeking views on whether people under the age of 21 should be able to stand for election.
The council is being recommended to support holding the voting age to 18 but lowering the threshold for standing in a poll.
Leominster MP Bill Wiggin has also called for the age at which adults can stand to be lowered to 18. Mr Wiggin, Tory shadow minister for the environment, did not support lowering the voting age.
© Newsquest Media Group 2008