Sunday polling could raise turnout in elections

Measures designed to encourage more people to vote could also include providing polling stations in shopping centres and a relaxation of the rules on postal and proxy votes.

The study, based on a survey of more than 350 local authorities, suggests that both councils and central government could make it easier for people to use their votes. Possible changes in election procedures that were widely supported by local officials included:

• Constantly revising a 'rolling register' of electors instead of updating it once a year;
• Making it easier to obtain a postal or proxy vote;
• Providing facilities for people to cast their votes in advance of the formal polling day;
• Increasing the opening hours for polling stations and changing the day of voting to a Sunday;
• Using computer technology to allow voters to use any polling station within their local authority area, including booths in shopping centres and other popular locations.

The research found that some authorities were doing more than others to improve the level of registration and make voters aware of approaching elections.

A wide range of initiatives included canvassing to locate unregistered voters and circulating reminders that some credit companies will not lend to people whose names are not on the electoral roll. A few councils had experimented with prize draws and 'road shows' to encourage registration.

Attempts to increase turnout had included leaflets sent out with polling cards encouraging electors to use their vote and wider campaigns to raise awareness of local government activities. However, councils often expressed disappointment that their efforts had not led to any significant improvement. Lack of interest in local elections was commonly attributed to the erosion of local government powers by central government.

Dr. Colin Rallings of the Local Government Chronicle Elections Centre at the University of Plymouth which conducted the research said: "Turnout in local elections is so low in some districts that it could be seen as damaging the legitimacy of local democracy. Yet while some councils are actively using their discretion to improve registration and turnout, others appear too willing to hide behind the rules to justify doing no more than the bare minimum.

"Clearly it is for central government to decide whether electoral law should be altered to make it easier to vote. But it is also important that local authorities review their policies towards the electoral process and make sure they are doing all they can to encourage participation among their citizens."