CTV Toronto - Election reform bill won't help disabled voters: group - CTV News:
TORONTO — Representatives of voters with disabilities will be at the Ontario legislature today to call on the government to remove barriers impeding their access to polling stations.
David Lepofsky of the AODA Alliance says they want fully accessible elections for over one million voters with disabilities.
Bill 231 is supposed to modernize elections, including addressing barriers facing voters with disabilities.
But Lepofsky says the bill won't ensure that disabled voters can get into polling stations or mark ballots independently.
more ...
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Making Voting Systems Open Source Could Forever Change Election Technology
Making Voting Systems Open Source Could Forever Change Election Technology:
A California-based non-profit is creating a suite of open-source election software that allows users to view and modify the underlying computer code. Proponents of the approach say exposing the code used by e-voting machines allows a worldwide community of experts to evaluate the security of the code and make beneficial modifications.
In October 2009, the nonprofit Open Source Digital Voting Foundation (OSDV) made the computer code for its election system available on the Web. The foundation also plans to make other open-source election tools available this year through its Trust the Vote initiative.
more ...
A California-based non-profit is creating a suite of open-source election software that allows users to view and modify the underlying computer code. Proponents of the approach say exposing the code used by e-voting machines allows a worldwide community of experts to evaluate the security of the code and make beneficial modifications.
In October 2009, the nonprofit Open Source Digital Voting Foundation (OSDV) made the computer code for its election system available on the Web. The foundation also plans to make other open-source election tools available this year through its Trust the Vote initiative.
more ...
Birmingham Mail - News - Top Stories - Birmingham misspelled on 60,000 postal vote cards
Birmingham Mail - News - Top Stories - Birmingham misspelled on 60,000 postal vote cards:
EMBARRASSED council bosses have vowed to improve their election literature after a SECOND set of postal voting cards wrongly spelled the word Birmingham.
The Mail last week revealed that 60,000 postal ballot cards were sent out with a return deadline of May 29, 2009 – set for last year’s European Election.
more ...
EMBARRASSED council bosses have vowed to improve their election literature after a SECOND set of postal voting cards wrongly spelled the word Birmingham.
The Mail last week revealed that 60,000 postal ballot cards were sent out with a return deadline of May 29, 2009 – set for last year’s European Election.
more ...
Pakistan : 'Q' urges ECP to introduce electronic voting
'Q' urges ECP to introduce electronic voting | Pakistan | News | Newspaper | Daily | English | Online:
ISLAMABAD - PML-Q on Tuesday urged the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to adopt electronic voting, which had been successfully implemented in India and it should also be applied in the Pakistan to ensure transparency and prevent bogus voting.
more ...
ISLAMABAD - PML-Q on Tuesday urged the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to adopt electronic voting, which had been successfully implemented in India and it should also be applied in the Pakistan to ensure transparency and prevent bogus voting.
more ...
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Indonesia: Constitutional Court Clears Way for Electronic Voting - The Jakarta Globe
Constitutional Court Clears Way for Electronic Voting - The Jakarta Globe:
The Constitutional Court on Tuesday approved the use of electronic voting in Indonesia, effectively allowing Jembrana district in Bali to become the first district to use the technology when it holds its upcoming elections.
more ...
The Constitutional Court on Tuesday approved the use of electronic voting in Indonesia, effectively allowing Jembrana district in Bali to become the first district to use the technology when it holds its upcoming elections.
more ...
Philippines confident in looming e-elections | Articles | FutureGov - Solutions for Government | Education | Healthcare
Philippines confident in looming e-elections | Articles | FutureGov - Solutions for Government | Education | Healthcare:
In an interview with FutureGov in Manila last week, Jose Melo, Chairman of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), said he is confident that the technology used for the Philippines’ first-ever computerised election will hold firm when 50 million Filipinos head for the polls on May 10th, and that much opposition to automation has come from those who “no longer know how to cheat.”
more ...
In an interview with FutureGov in Manila last week, Jose Melo, Chairman of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), said he is confident that the technology used for the Philippines’ first-ever computerised election will hold firm when 50 million Filipinos head for the polls on May 10th, and that much opposition to automation has come from those who “no longer know how to cheat.”
more ...
Clemson professor’s voting system to be used in engineer society’s election - Clemson Newsroom
Clemson professor’s voting system to be used in engineer society’s election:
CLEMSON — The National Society of Black Engineers will use an electronic voting system developed by Clemson University professor Juan Gilbert and his team of researchers.
The society will use Prime III for its national elections this week in Toronto, Canada.
Gilbert, director and chairman of the Human-Centered Computing division of the School of Computing, developed Prime III following the 2000 presidential elections while he was at Auburn University.
Monday, March 29, 2010
85% of Youth in Survey Support Internet Voting
85% of Youth in Survey Support Internet Voting:
THUNDER BAY - At City Council this evening, the City Clerk will be presenting a report, for information, on voting trends. Several efforts are underway from City Clerk John Hannam in preparation for this fall's civic election.
Some of the key findings include that of the people surveyed a majority of those people expressed interest in having more information on candidates on the Internet is needed. "79% of all respondents indicated that they thought having information on each candidate on an internet website would make it more likely for people to vote".
In addition, a majority expressed the view that alternative means of voting would encourage more people to vote. "65% of all respondents indicated that being able to vote over the internet would make it more likely for people to vote, which jumps to 81% when ‘maybe’ responses are included and 77% of those that did not vote said ‘yes’ that they thought internet voting being available would make it more likely for people to vote. Only 19% said ‘no’, to the statement that having the availability of internet voting would make it more likely for people to vote".
In the younger ages, Internet voting was seen as a real alternative that would bring out more voters. "85% of those under the age of 31 said ‘yes’ that they thought voting via the internet would make it more likely for people to vote".
Friday, March 26, 2010
Jury convicts all 8 defendants in Clay vote-buying case - Courts - Kentucky.com
Jury convicts all 8 defendants in Clay vote-buying case - Courts - Kentucky.com:
Some of the most powerful public officials in Clay County corrupted elections in recent years, buying and stealing votes in pursuit of power and money, a federal jury ruled Thursday.
The jury convicted all eight people on trial, including former Circuit Judge R. Cletus Maricle, 66, and former school Superintendent Douglas C. Adams, 58, on a charge that they engaged in organized criminal acts to rig elections.
After a seven-week trial, jurors deliberated about nine hours before convicting the defendants on all the charges they faced, which included vote-buying, mail fraud, extortion and money laundering.
Some of the most powerful public officials in Clay County corrupted elections in recent years, buying and stealing votes in pursuit of power and money, a federal jury ruled Thursday.
The jury convicted all eight people on trial, including former Circuit Judge R. Cletus Maricle, 66, and former school Superintendent Douglas C. Adams, 58, on a charge that they engaged in organized criminal acts to rig elections.
After a seven-week trial, jurors deliberated about nine hours before convicting the defendants on all the charges they faced, which included vote-buying, mail fraud, extortion and money laundering.
They face up to 20 years each on some charges.
The jury also ruled they were jointly liable for a judgment of $3.2 million, based on the salaries and contracts they were able to get as a result of illegal acts.
Local Elections Need Level Playing Field, Provincial Oversight, CUPE BC Tells Government Panel
Local Elections Need Level Playing Field, Provincial Oversight, CUPE BC Tells Government Panel:
Local elections in British Columbia should be conducted under the supervision of BC's Chief Electoral Officer, and the province should reject calls to grant corporations the right to vote, CUPE BC president Barry O'Neill said today in a submission to the Local Government Elections Task Force.
more ...
Local elections in British Columbia should be conducted under the supervision of BC's Chief Electoral Officer, and the province should reject calls to grant corporations the right to vote, CUPE BC president Barry O'Neill said today in a submission to the Local Government Elections Task Force.
more ...
Online Voting Scheduled for May Primaries - News, Sports, Jobs - The Intelligencer / Wheeling News-Register
Online Voting Scheduled for May Primaries - News, Sports, Jobs - The Intelligencer / Wheeling News-Register:
Starting Friday, absentee voting ballots will be available online to residents in Marshall County.
The county was selected to participate in an online absentee voting project through the office of the West Virginia Secretary of State. The pilot program was adopted in response to passage of the federal Military and Overseas Voters Empowerment Act.
The goal of the project, is to give all out-of-state military personnel, as well as overseas voters, the opportunity to register to vote and cast their ballots through a secured Web site on the Internet.
'The entire voting process could now take minutes rather than days and weeks,' said Jackie Harris, elections specialist with the Office of the Secretary of State.
The county will be working directly with a contracted company named Scytl, which specializes in online electronic voting, Harris said.
more ...
Starting Friday, absentee voting ballots will be available online to residents in Marshall County.
The county was selected to participate in an online absentee voting project through the office of the West Virginia Secretary of State. The pilot program was adopted in response to passage of the federal Military and Overseas Voters Empowerment Act.
The goal of the project, is to give all out-of-state military personnel, as well as overseas voters, the opportunity to register to vote and cast their ballots through a secured Web site on the Internet.
'The entire voting process could now take minutes rather than days and weeks,' said Jackie Harris, elections specialist with the Office of the Secretary of State.
The county will be working directly with a contracted company named Scytl, which specializes in online electronic voting, Harris said.
more ...
E-voting to kill hanging chads - Yahoo! Finance
E-voting to kill hanging chads - Yahoo! Finance:
In 2003, Lori Steele watched as Arnold Schwarzenegger became California's governor in a recall. The zeal behind the off-schedule election impressed her.
In 2003, Lori Steele watched as Arnold Schwarzenegger became California's governor in a recall. The zeal behind the off-schedule election impressed her.
"The recall made me realize how much people really care who their leaders are and that those leaders are effective, which made me think back to the serious voter dissatisfaction of the 2000 Presidential election," she says, referring to the infamous "hanging chads" debacle. "I began to think that better technology could provide transparent and accurate elections."
The idea: Steele, who was at the time working as a private wealth advisor at Solomon
So in 2006, she raised the capital to acquire Everyone Counts, a small Australian electronic-voting services company that began as an online test-administering business in 1996.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Aboriginals not voting - In the 2008 election, only eight percent of aboriginal Canadians living on reserve lands voted. Straight Goods
Straight Goods - Aboriginals not voting - In the 2008 election, only eight percent of aboriginal Canadians living on reserve lands voted.:
Fifty years ago, aboriginal Canadians finally received the right to vote in federal elections without having to cede their Indian status or treaty rights. In the 2008 election, eight percent of aboriginal Canadians living on reserve lands voted. And that's double the number from the previous election — due to a concerted campaign by Elections Canada to reach out to reserve voters.
more ...
Fifty years ago, aboriginal Canadians finally received the right to vote in federal elections without having to cede their Indian status or treaty rights. In the 2008 election, eight percent of aboriginal Canadians living on reserve lands voted. And that's double the number from the previous election — due to a concerted campaign by Elections Canada to reach out to reserve voters.
more ...
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
The Statesman : News : Press Release: Kenya Goes E-Voting In 2012, As Ghana Dithers
The Statesman : News : Press Release: Kenya Goes E-Voting In 2012, As Ghana Dithers:
Kenya, keen on preventing the kind of violence that followed the general election of December 2007, has resorted to the introduction of electronic voting for the 2012 general election.
more ...
Kenya, keen on preventing the kind of violence that followed the general election of December 2007, has resorted to the introduction of electronic voting for the 2012 general election.
more ...
Unequal votes threatening Canadian democracy, study finds - The Globe and Mail
Unequal votes threatening Canadian democracy, study finds - The Globe and Mail:
The votes that Canadians cast in federal elections are more unequal than at any time in the country's history. The House of Commons is more unrepresentative than other federations in the developed world.
more ...
The votes that Canadians cast in federal elections are more unequal than at any time in the country's history. The House of Commons is more unrepresentative than other federations in the developed world.
more ...
Electoral Reform Society: Fair elections working in Scottish town halls - politics.co.uk
Electoral Reform Society: Fair elections working in Scottish town halls - politics.co.uk:
Today the Electoral Reform Society launches a report on the initial impact of the switch away from First-Past-the-Post to the proportional representation for electing Scotlands Councillors.
The research, led by Dr Martin Steven of Glasgow University, saw large numbers of Scottish councillors interviewed, and is revealing a picture of a more engaged, challenged and citizen led democracy.
more ...
Today the Electoral Reform Society launches a report on the initial impact of the switch away from First-Past-the-Post to the proportional representation for electing Scotlands Councillors.
The research, led by Dr Martin Steven of Glasgow University, saw large numbers of Scottish councillors interviewed, and is revealing a picture of a more engaged, challenged and citizen led democracy.
more ...
CBC News - New Brunswick - N.B. election to feature social media: analyst
CBC News - New Brunswick - N.B. election to feature social media: analyst:
New Brunswick politicians will soon be struggling with how they can leverage social media as a new way of reaching out to voters in the upcoming provincial election, says a social media analyst.
Chris Ramsey's prediction comes on the heels of a new Ipsos Reid poll that shows Canadians are now spending more time in front of computer screens than television sets.
New Brunswick politicians will soon be struggling with how they can leverage social media as a new way of reaching out to voters in the upcoming provincial election, says a social media analyst.
Chris Ramsey's prediction comes on the heels of a new Ipsos Reid poll that shows Canadians are now spending more time in front of computer screens than television sets.
Monday, March 22, 2010
UK - Weakness in postal voting may disenfranchise thousands of troops - Times Online
Weakness in postal voting may disenfranchise thousands of troops - Times Online:
The government is considering introducing electronic voting for British forces abroad amid concerns that thousands of soldiers will be left without a vote at the forthcoming general election.
Any new system, however, will not come into effect until after this year’s poll when weaknesses in the postal voting system threaten to disenfranchise many of the 9,000 troops serving in Afghanistan.
more ...
The government is considering introducing electronic voting for British forces abroad amid concerns that thousands of soldiers will be left without a vote at the forthcoming general election.
Any new system, however, will not come into effect until after this year’s poll when weaknesses in the postal voting system threaten to disenfranchise many of the 9,000 troops serving in Afghanistan.
more ...
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Seatlle, WA: Clear-ballot Reform Signed Into Law
Clear-ballot Reform Signed Into Law
The Seattle Medium
OLYMPIA — A confusing ballot design that may have caused more than 40,000 King County voters to fail to vote on a Tim Eyman initiative last fall won’t be used in Washington State again.
Rep. Scott White’s proposal (HB 2496) to require a clear delineation between where ballot instructions end and voting begins was signed into law today by Gov. Chris Gregoire after passing the House and Senate unanimously.
''Many people warned even before the election that King County voters could overlook Initiative 1033 because of how it was tucked indistinctly beneath the voting instructions on the bottom left side of the ballot,” said White (D-Seattle). “As it turned out, more than 41,000 voters who cast ballots in King County failed to register a vote on the Eyman initiative. You could argue that these voters were essentially disenfranchised by bad ballot design.”
The Seattle Medium
OLYMPIA — A confusing ballot design that may have caused more than 40,000 King County voters to fail to vote on a Tim Eyman initiative last fall won’t be used in Washington State again.
Rep. Scott White’s proposal (HB 2496) to require a clear delineation between where ballot instructions end and voting begins was signed into law today by Gov. Chris Gregoire after passing the House and Senate unanimously.
''Many people warned even before the election that King County voters could overlook Initiative 1033 because of how it was tucked indistinctly beneath the voting instructions on the bottom left side of the ballot,” said White (D-Seattle). “As it turned out, more than 41,000 voters who cast ballots in King County failed to register a vote on the Eyman initiative. You could argue that these voters were essentially disenfranchised by bad ballot design.”
Monday, March 15, 2010
House of Lords to be an elected ''Senate'' - Public Service
House of Lords to be an elected ''Senate'' - Public Service:
Labour is looking seriously at replacing the House of Lords with a fully elected chamber and will put plans in its general election manifesto, according to Transport Secretary Lord Andrew Adonis. Also, rather than the current 740 members, the new chamber – which could be called The Senate – would contain around 300.
'The time has now come to make it legitimate in the only way that a legislative assembly can be legitimate in the modern world, which is to be elected,' Adonis said. 'We can do it in this country as most democracies do it: we'd have two chambers, both of which are elected but with the government accountable to the first chamber.'
more ...
Labour is looking seriously at replacing the House of Lords with a fully elected chamber and will put plans in its general election manifesto, according to Transport Secretary Lord Andrew Adonis. Also, rather than the current 740 members, the new chamber – which could be called The Senate – would contain around 300.
'The time has now come to make it legitimate in the only way that a legislative assembly can be legitimate in the modern world, which is to be elected,' Adonis said. 'We can do it in this country as most democracies do it: we'd have two chambers, both of which are elected but with the government accountable to the first chamber.'
more ...
CBC News - Nova Scotia - N.S. First Nation election problem found
CBC News - Nova Scotia - N.S. First Nation election problem found:
An independent investigator found a major problem in how votes were counted in the Shubenacadie First Nation election in Nova Scotia last summer.
The Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development ordered the special review of the June 8, 2009, band election after allegations were raised that the result was rigged.
more ...
An independent investigator found a major problem in how votes were counted in the Shubenacadie First Nation election in Nova Scotia last summer.
The Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development ordered the special review of the June 8, 2009, band election after allegations were raised that the result was rigged.
more ...
Local News : State senator proposes online voting for co-ops - Frontiersman
Local News : State senator proposes online voting for co-ops - Frontiersman:
WASILLA — It might not come quick enough for this year’s balloting, but one of the Valley’s two state senators hopes that someday soon you’ll be able to vote online in co-op elections.
Sen. Linda Menard, R-Wasilla, said Friday by phone from Juneau that she has decided to sponsor the bill after talking to co-operatives in the Valley — Matanuska Electric Association and Matanuska Telephone Association — and around the state.
“I’m the sponsor of the bill, and it came about from the urging of these co-ops. They can still vote by mail. They can still vote in person. But they have the option to go online,” Menard said. She said that ensuring the vote’s security will fall to the contractor the co-op hires to run the online polling.
WASILLA — It might not come quick enough for this year’s balloting, but one of the Valley’s two state senators hopes that someday soon you’ll be able to vote online in co-op elections.
Sen. Linda Menard, R-Wasilla, said Friday by phone from Juneau that she has decided to sponsor the bill after talking to co-operatives in the Valley — Matanuska Electric Association and Matanuska Telephone Association — and around the state.
“I’m the sponsor of the bill, and it came about from the urging of these co-ops. They can still vote by mail. They can still vote in person. But they have the option to go online,” Menard said. She said that ensuring the vote’s security will fall to the contractor the co-op hires to run the online polling.
Regional Elections Fraught With Allegations of Violations : The Other Russia
Regional Elections Fraught With Allegations of Violations : The Other Russia:
... "The list of reported violations includes many that Golos is calling “typical” and that have been noted in Russian elections for years. Sunday’s reports that companies, universities, and the military have organized expeditions to voting stations and forced their members to vote for United Russia are nearly identical to reports from during Russia’s presidential election in 2008. Similar, too, was abuse of the absentee ballot system: Russians are not allowed to vote by mail, and instead are allowed to cast an absentee ballots at any polling station that they chose. Historically, the system has enabled widespread violations." ...
more ...
... "The list of reported violations includes many that Golos is calling “typical” and that have been noted in Russian elections for years. Sunday’s reports that companies, universities, and the military have organized expeditions to voting stations and forced their members to vote for United Russia are nearly identical to reports from during Russia’s presidential election in 2008. Similar, too, was abuse of the absentee ballot system: Russians are not allowed to vote by mail, and instead are allowed to cast an absentee ballots at any polling station that they chose. Historically, the system has enabled widespread violations." ...
more ...
Voting system rated not fit for purpose | UK news | The Guardian
Voting system rated not fit for purpose | UK news | The Guardian:
The official charged with ensuring the smooth running of this year's general election says that Britain's democratic system is 'not fit for purpose' and that it needs a radical redesign to drag it out of the 18th century.
Jenny Watson, chair of the Electoral Commission, said in a Guardian interview that the running of elections was still based on Victorian ideas about the way people live and needed a fundamental rethink. Online voting and flexible election schedules, including opening the polls for entire weekends, should be considered to make the system more relevant to 21st century life, she said.
more ...
The official charged with ensuring the smooth running of this year's general election says that Britain's democratic system is 'not fit for purpose' and that it needs a radical redesign to drag it out of the 18th century.
Jenny Watson, chair of the Electoral Commission, said in a Guardian interview that the running of elections was still based on Victorian ideas about the way people live and needed a fundamental rethink. Online voting and flexible election schedules, including opening the polls for entire weekends, should be considered to make the system more relevant to 21st century life, she said.
more ...
Online voting would reform Victorian electoral system, watchdog says - Telegraph
Online voting would reform Victorian electoral system, watchdog says - Telegraph:
Voters should be allowed to select their MP online as part of moves to update Britain’s 19th century electoral system, under recommendations from the election watchdog.
Voters should be allowed to select their MP online as part of moves to update Britain’s 19th century electoral system, under recommendations from the election watchdog.
People should also be able to vote at polling stations throughout the weekend, according to Jenny Watson, the chair of the Electoral Commission.
She also warned that the election night drama of counts around the clock to determine the winner by morning “might not be workable” because postal voting had to be rigorously checked, which is time-consuming.
Watson, in an interview with the Guardian newspaper, said the current system was based on Victorian ideas about the way people lived.
She said: “This is the 21st century, we all have completely different understanding of technology, the way we live our lives, people move away to university, for work.
“People live with people they are not related to. We cannot go on with a system that assumes we all stay in the same local areas, live with an extended family and are able to walk around the corner and be known by the polling agent to vote.
“We want to have a debate that says if we wanted to do democracy differently, in a modern way, while keeping local links, how would be do it?”
Mail-in ballots may boost turnout more than Net | London | News | London Free Press
Mail-in ballots may boost turnout more than Net | London | News | London Free Press:
Allowing Londoners to vote by mail will likely boost turnout in the next civic election, but it's less clear what effect Internet voting might have, experts say.
'There's no reason not to expect (mail-in voting) will lead to higher turnout,' said Thad Kousser, a visiting professor at Stanford University whose research was published in Political Analysis.
Allowing Londoners to vote by mail will likely boost turnout in the next civic election, but it's less clear what effect Internet voting might have, experts say.
'There's no reason not to expect (mail-in voting) will lead to higher turnout,' said Thad Kousser, a visiting professor at Stanford University whose research was published in Political Analysis.
City council has directed administration to explore the feasibility of giving Londoners more ways to vote when they cast ballots Oct. 25.
more ...Friday, March 12, 2010
Break up ES&S - Editorials - MiamiHerald.com
Break up ES&S - Editorials - MiamiHerald.com:
The acquisition of one company by another for the relatively small sum of $5 million doesn't usually set off alarms. But the September 2009 acquisition of Premier Diebold Solutions by Election Systems & Software means that one firm controls more than 70 percent of the voting machines used in the United States. No matter how well-intentioned this merger, it is not good for U.S. voters.
more ...
The acquisition of one company by another for the relatively small sum of $5 million doesn't usually set off alarms. But the September 2009 acquisition of Premier Diebold Solutions by Election Systems & Software means that one firm controls more than 70 percent of the voting machines used in the United States. No matter how well-intentioned this merger, it is not good for U.S. voters.
more ...
Editorial - Antitrust and Your Vote - NYTimes.com
Editorial - Antitrust and Your Vote - NYTimes.com:
When the nation’s largest voting machine manufacturer, Election Systems and Software, acquired the voting machine business of Diebold, the nation’s second-largest manufacturer, it set off alarms for anyone who cares about election integrity. The combination meant that 70 percent of the nation’s voting machines would be provided by just one company.
The Justice Department has now announced that it intends to block certain parts of the deal on antitrust grounds. That is a very welcome step, but the department and Congress need to do more to protect the vote.
more ...
When the nation’s largest voting machine manufacturer, Election Systems and Software, acquired the voting machine business of Diebold, the nation’s second-largest manufacturer, it set off alarms for anyone who cares about election integrity. The combination meant that 70 percent of the nation’s voting machines would be provided by just one company.
The Justice Department has now announced that it intends to block certain parts of the deal on antitrust grounds. That is a very welcome step, but the department and Congress need to do more to protect the vote.
more ...
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Forget the traditional polling booth; voters want the chance to vote online
Forget the traditional polling booth; voters want the chance to vote online:
More than three quarters of electors - 77% - would vote on the internet if they could, finds new research.
But it is hard to know what credence to give the poll as four per cent believed former Labour Prime Minister Clement Attlee had the greatest number of Twitter fans, even though he died in 1967 and seven per cent thought a tweet was a small African rodent.
The survey of 1,000 people by social media consultants Lewis Communications was conducted to gauge public attitudes to the use of social media and digital technology by political parties.
The poll also found that 15% thought David Cameron had the most followers on Twitter, even though the Tory leader famously criticised the micro-blogging site by claiming on a radio show that 'too many twits make a twat'
more ...
More than three quarters of electors - 77% - would vote on the internet if they could, finds new research.
But it is hard to know what credence to give the poll as four per cent believed former Labour Prime Minister Clement Attlee had the greatest number of Twitter fans, even though he died in 1967 and seven per cent thought a tweet was a small African rodent.
The survey of 1,000 people by social media consultants Lewis Communications was conducted to gauge public attitudes to the use of social media and digital technology by political parties.
The poll also found that 15% thought David Cameron had the most followers on Twitter, even though the Tory leader famously criticised the micro-blogging site by claiming on a radio show that 'too many twits make a twat'
more ...
Video: Most people would rather vote online - 11/03/2010 - Computer Weekly
Video: Most people would rather vote online - 11/03/2010 - Computer Weekly:
More than three in four (77%) of the public would vote via the internet in the general election if given the choice, according to a survey. Some 1,000 people were asked for their views on the use of social media in politics. ...
More than three in four (77%) of the public would vote via the internet in the general election if given the choice, according to a survey. Some 1,000 people were asked for their views on the use of social media in politics. ...
British Columbia - Local Government Elections Task Force may allow corporations to vote | Straight.com
Local Government Elections Task Force may allow corporations to vote | Vancouver, Canada | Straight.com:
Not long ago, corporations were able to vote in municipal elections in B.C. Since that right was taken away in the 1990s, they’ve been trying to win it back.
Now a provincial task force is reviewing a number of civic electoral reforms to areas including campaign financing, terms in office, and restoration of the corporate vote.
Robin Blencoe, a former minister of municipal affairs, is asking why the practice of allowing business entities to cast a ballot equal to that of a citizen in local elections is even being considered by the B.C. Liberal government.
He pointed out that owners and managers of corporations already have, as individuals, the same voting rights as their fellow citizens.
more ...
Not long ago, corporations were able to vote in municipal elections in B.C. Since that right was taken away in the 1990s, they’ve been trying to win it back.
Now a provincial task force is reviewing a number of civic electoral reforms to areas including campaign financing, terms in office, and restoration of the corporate vote.
Robin Blencoe, a former minister of municipal affairs, is asking why the practice of allowing business entities to cast a ballot equal to that of a citizen in local elections is even being considered by the B.C. Liberal government.
He pointed out that owners and managers of corporations already have, as individuals, the same voting rights as their fellow citizens.
more ...
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Bristol University | Electoral systems reviewed in new report
Bristol University | News from the University | Electoral report:
A major new report on the pros and cons of different voting systems will be launched today at the British Academy. It will address the following:
* Should the system for electing MPs be changed?
* What should replace it?
* What system should be used for an elected second chamber?
With the prospects of a hung Parliament increasing; the Commons voting for a referendum on changing the current “first past the post” system in 2011; and all three major parties now seemingly committed to a wholly or largely elected House of Lords; the review could not be timelier.
more ...
A major new report on the pros and cons of different voting systems will be launched today at the British Academy. It will address the following:
* Should the system for electing MPs be changed?
* What should replace it?
* What system should be used for an elected second chamber?
With the prospects of a hung Parliament increasing; the Commons voting for a referendum on changing the current “first past the post” system in 2011; and all three major parties now seemingly committed to a wholly or largely elected House of Lords; the review could not be timelier.
more ...
British Academy Report - Choosing an Electoral System
British Academy | the National Academy for the Humanities and Social Sciences:
Electoral systems go under the microscope
With the prospects of a hung Parliament, the Commons voting for a referendum on changing the current “first past the post” system in 2011, and all three major parties now seemingly committed to a wholly or largely elected House of Lords; a new report from the British Academy Policy Centre provides a timely analysis of the pros and cons of different voting systems.
Choosing an Electoral System identifies the characteristics of the variety of electoral system used around the world, and discusses their implications for issues such as voter turn-out, minority parties, party politics, proportionality and effective government.
Electoral systems go under the microscope
With the prospects of a hung Parliament, the Commons voting for a referendum on changing the current “first past the post” system in 2011, and all three major parties now seemingly committed to a wholly or largely elected House of Lords; a new report from the British Academy Policy Centre provides a timely analysis of the pros and cons of different voting systems.
Choosing an Electoral System identifies the characteristics of the variety of electoral system used around the world, and discusses their implications for issues such as voter turn-out, minority parties, party politics, proportionality and effective government.
British Columbia - The Tri-City News - EDITORIAL: Elections – even byelections – are worth the cost
The Tri-City News - EDITORIAL: Elections – even byelections – are worth the cost:
Are civic elections in Coquitlam so tedious they should be avoided? That seems to be the reason behind the idea of giving Fin Donnelly’s seat to the first loser from the 2008 general election.
While no decisions have been made — and hopefully B.C.’s minister of community and rural development doesn’t buy this specious argument — there is clearly a sentiment being shared among local politicians that a byelection now would be a waste of time and money given the low turnout that is expected.
Is this what they think of their jobs? Should principles that people fought and died for be ignored to save $200,000?
more ...
Are civic elections in Coquitlam so tedious they should be avoided? That seems to be the reason behind the idea of giving Fin Donnelly’s seat to the first loser from the 2008 general election.
While no decisions have been made — and hopefully B.C.’s minister of community and rural development doesn’t buy this specious argument — there is clearly a sentiment being shared among local politicians that a byelection now would be a waste of time and money given the low turnout that is expected.
Is this what they think of their jobs? Should principles that people fought and died for be ignored to save $200,000?
more ...
India: Advani favours compulsory voting
Advani favours compulsory voting:
Observing that voting percentage among the educated section was far lower than that in the lower rungs of society, senior BJP leader L K Advani has favoured compulsory voting as a remedial measure.
... The senior BJP leader goes on to say that many people in India would not be aware that as many as 25 countries inhabited by more than 700 million people today have compulsory voting even for their parliamentary election.
more ...
Observing that voting percentage among the educated section was far lower than that in the lower rungs of society, senior BJP leader L K Advani has favoured compulsory voting as a remedial measure.
... The senior BJP leader goes on to say that many people in India would not be aware that as many as 25 countries inhabited by more than 700 million people today have compulsory voting even for their parliamentary election.
These countries include Australia, Argentina, Italy, Brazil, Mexico, Turkey, Thailand and Singapore. "I feel political thinkers in India also must apply their mind to this". ...
more ...
Electoral fraud mars UBC election
Electoral fraud mars UBC election:
More than five weeks after they voted, UBC's undergraduate students are still waiting for the official results of the Alma Mater Society election after electoral fraud was confirmed in a report released last week.
More than five weeks after they voted, UBC's undergraduate students are still waiting for the official results of the Alma Mater Society election after electoral fraud was confirmed in a report released last week.
Bijan Ahmadian was elected president in January, defeating Natalie Swift by 375 votes.
UBC students vote for their student government representatives exclusively online.
In a preliminary report issued by AMS elections administrator Isabel Ferreras, at least 731 out of 6,900 votes cast in the election were identified as fraudulent.
According to Ferreras, the 731 votes were all cast from the same IP address. The ballots came in on the last day of the election at a rate of one vote every 16 seconds.
Ferreras said that if the votes had come in at a slower pace, the fraud would have been more difficult to detect, given that the identical IP address might have been the result of different students voting on the same campus computers.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Someone Please Say No To On-Line Voting | CJBK
Someone Please Say No To On-Line Voting | CJBK:
Voting on-line is a very bad idea. In fact, making it easier for people to vote, period, is a bad idea. ...
Voting on-line is a very bad idea. In fact, making it easier for people to vote, period, is a bad idea. ...
Iraqi officials put voter turnout at 62 percent - washingtonpost.com
Iraqi officials put voter turnout at 62 percent - washingtonpost.com:
BAGHDAD -- Iraqi officials announced Monday that 62 percent of registered voters cast ballots in Sunday's parliamentary elections, a total slightly lower than in the 2005 national elections but higher than in last year's provincial elections. ...
BAGHDAD -- Iraqi officials announced Monday that 62 percent of registered voters cast ballots in Sunday's parliamentary elections, a total slightly lower than in the 2005 national elections but higher than in last year's provincial elections. ...
CBC News - Ottawa - Iraqis in Canada vote in Iraq election
CBC News - Ottawa - Iraqis in Canada vote in Iraq election:
The results of parliamentary elections in Iraq will be released within days, and more than 1,000 Iraqis living in the Ottawa-Gatineau area contributed their votes over the weekend.
Across Canada, more than 12,000 Iraqis had their say in the future of the young democracy. ...
The results of parliamentary elections in Iraq will be released within days, and more than 1,000 Iraqis living in the Ottawa-Gatineau area contributed their votes over the weekend.
Across Canada, more than 12,000 Iraqis had their say in the future of the young democracy. ...
ECZ to use Biometric technology in Voter registration for Decision 2011 | LusakaTimes.com
ECZ to use Biometric technology in Voter registration for Decision 2011 | LusakaTimes.com:
The Electoral Commision of Zambia (ECZ), with the assiatnce of the United Nations (UN), will this year use Biometric technology to conduct voter registration. Biometric technology is used to measure and analyze human body characteristics, such as fingerprints, for for either identification or verification purposes.
The Electoral Commision of Zambia (ECZ), with the assiatnce of the United Nations (UN), will this year use Biometric technology to conduct voter registration. Biometric technology is used to measure and analyze human body characteristics, such as fingerprints, for for either identification or verification purposes.
The UN, through its Development Programme (UNDP), has already selected a company called Smartmatic to provide the new technologies for the improvement of the electoral register for ECZ.
For the first stage of the project, Smartmatic will supply ECZ with 1,000 mobile electronic biometric registry units, known as PARkits. This kit will include all hardware and software components, with their respective protective cases, training services, technical assistance and a one-year warranty. ...
DOJ requires changes to e-voting acquisition - BusinessWeek
DOJ requires changes to e-voting acquisition - BusinessWeek:
The U.S. Department of Justice will require Election Systems & Software (ES&S) to sell off some voting equipment systems it purchased as part of its September acquisition of Premier Election Solutions in order to preserve competition among voting systems in the U.S., the agency announced Monday. ...
The U.S. Department of Justice will require Election Systems & Software (ES&S) to sell off some voting equipment systems it purchased as part of its September acquisition of Premier Election Solutions in order to preserve competition among voting systems in the U.S., the agency announced Monday. ...
Philippines election: Doubts arise over electronic voting machines / The Christian Science Monitor - CSMonitor.com
Philippines election: Doubts arise over electronic voting machines / The Christian Science Monitor - CSMonitor.com:
Concerns are rising that the use of electronic voting machines in the May Philippines election, meant to prevent vote-rigging, could fail due to technical problems and end up threatening rather than reinforcing the credibility of the ballot.
Glitches in the new system could lead to an inaccurate vote count or to manipulation, in a country where election fraud has occurred before and undermined stability. ...
Concerns are rising that the use of electronic voting machines in the May Philippines election, meant to prevent vote-rigging, could fail due to technical problems and end up threatening rather than reinforcing the credibility of the ballot.
Glitches in the new system could lead to an inaccurate vote count or to manipulation, in a country where election fraud has occurred before and undermined stability. ...
The Canadian Press: B.C. Greens call for electronic voting, new referendum on electoral reform
The Canadian Press: B.C. Greens call for electronic voting, new referendum on electoral reform:
VANCOUVER, B.C. — The B.C. Green party says the province should try electronic voting to help boost voter turnout and take another crack at proportional representation in the legislature.
They are two of the suggestions the Greens are making to modernize the province's voting system after last year's provincial election in which only 51 per cent of eligible voters bothered to cast their ballots.
...
VANCOUVER, B.C. — The B.C. Green party says the province should try electronic voting to help boost voter turnout and take another crack at proportional representation in the legislature.
They are two of the suggestions the Greens are making to modernize the province's voting system after last year's provincial election in which only 51 per cent of eligible voters bothered to cast their ballots.
...
In addition, the Greens want to reopen the debate on changing B.C.'s voting system with a two-stage referendum process.
The first referendum would ask if people want some form of proportional representation in the legislature, and if that passes, more hearings would be held leading to a second vote on what kind of system to adopt.
Monday, March 8, 2010
United Nations selects Smartmatic for Voter Registration in Africa
United Nations selects Smartmatic for Voter Registration in Africa:
AMSTERDAM, Holland - (Business Wire) The United Nations, through its Development Programme (UNDP), has selected Smartmatic to provide new technologies for the improvement of the electoral register of the Republic of Zambia. Smartmatic, a leading provider of technological solutions for governments, was selected after the UN conducted a rigorous testing of numerous identity and registry technologies.
For the first stage of the project, Smartmatic will supply the Republic of Zambia with 1,000 mobile electronic biometric registry units, known as PARkits. This includes all hardware and software components, with their respective protective cases, training services, technical assistance and a one-year warranty.
AMSTERDAM, Holland - (Business Wire) The United Nations, through its Development Programme (UNDP), has selected Smartmatic to provide new technologies for the improvement of the electoral register of the Republic of Zambia. Smartmatic, a leading provider of technological solutions for governments, was selected after the UN conducted a rigorous testing of numerous identity and registry technologies.
For the first stage of the project, Smartmatic will supply the Republic of Zambia with 1,000 mobile electronic biometric registry units, known as PARkits. This includes all hardware and software components, with their respective protective cases, training services, technical assistance and a one-year warranty.
The right to vote, from the comfort of your own home | Comment | Edmonton Sun
The right to vote, from the comfort of your own home | Columnists | Comment | Edmonton Sun:
... It’s incredible that, in this day and age, someone hasn’t figured out a way to make online voting a viable alternative.
Polls suggest Canadians would embrace the concept, and it may even help boost voter turnout.
Yet, online voting remains in its infancy stage, and it likely will for years to come. ...
... It’s incredible that, in this day and age, someone hasn’t figured out a way to make online voting a viable alternative.
Polls suggest Canadians would embrace the concept, and it may even help boost voter turnout.
Yet, online voting remains in its infancy stage, and it likely will for years to come. ...
Victoria expands Linux e-voting rollout - News - Software - ZDNet Australia
Victoria expands Linux e-voting rollout - News - Software - ZDNet Australia:
Victoria's Electoral Commission has flagged plans to expand its use of electronic voting kiosks based on Linux software in the next state election in November this year.
The state first started using the machines in a limited trial during the last state election in 2006. It appears as if the machines were used for voting for the vision-impaired, as well as for military personnel.
However, in tender documents released last week, the state revealed it would expand its use of the machines. About one hundred kiosks will be deployed to early voting centres (including mobile facilities) around the state as well as in the United Kingdom. ...
Victoria's Electoral Commission has flagged plans to expand its use of electronic voting kiosks based on Linux software in the next state election in November this year.
The state first started using the machines in a limited trial during the last state election in 2006. It appears as if the machines were used for voting for the vision-impaired, as well as for military personnel.
However, in tender documents released last week, the state revealed it would expand its use of the machines. About one hundred kiosks will be deployed to early voting centres (including mobile facilities) around the state as well as in the United Kingdom. ...
Turnout could see 'Net gain: councillor | London | News | London Free Press
Turnout could see 'Net gain: councillor | London | News | London Free Press:
Coun. Nancy Branscombe wants to bring online voting to London's municipal elections.
At city council Monday, Branscombe will propose that the next time Londoners vote, they do it at a computer screen.
'It is an idea whose time has come,' Branscombe said. 'The Internet is integrated in all our lives, from banking to shopping, and I think this is a way to get more people involved.
'The Internet is a big part of so many people's lives, it is so easy to use now.'
Internet voting could increase voter participation, which topped 40% in London's last municipal election and was about 36% the election before, said Branscombe -- numbers that should be higher.
...
Coun. Nancy Branscombe wants to bring online voting to London's municipal elections.
At city council Monday, Branscombe will propose that the next time Londoners vote, they do it at a computer screen.
'It is an idea whose time has come,' Branscombe said. 'The Internet is integrated in all our lives, from banking to shopping, and I think this is a way to get more people involved.
'The Internet is a big part of so many people's lives, it is so easy to use now.'
Internet voting could increase voter participation, which topped 40% in London's last municipal election and was about 36% the election before, said Branscombe -- numbers that should be higher.
...
Toronto Star, Geist: Hackers, viruses threaten online voting validity - thestar.com
Geist: Hackers, viruses threaten online voting validity - thestar.com:
... "Democracy depends upon a fair, accurate and transparent electoral process with outcomes that can be independently verified. Conventional voting accomplishes many of these goals – private polling stations enable citizens to cast their votes anonymously, election-day scrutineers offer independent oversight and paper-based ballots provide a verifiable outcome that can be re-counted if necessary.
While technology may someday allow us to replicate these essential features online, many of them are currently absent from Internet voting, which is subject to any number of possible disruptions. These include denial-of-service attacks that shut down the election process, counterfeit websites, phishing attacks, hacks into the election system or the insertion of computer viruses that tamper with election results." ...
... "Democracy depends upon a fair, accurate and transparent electoral process with outcomes that can be independently verified. Conventional voting accomplishes many of these goals – private polling stations enable citizens to cast their votes anonymously, election-day scrutineers offer independent oversight and paper-based ballots provide a verifiable outcome that can be re-counted if necessary.
While technology may someday allow us to replicate these essential features online, many of them are currently absent from Internet voting, which is subject to any number of possible disruptions. These include denial-of-service attacks that shut down the election process, counterfeit websites, phishing attacks, hacks into the election system or the insertion of computer viruses that tamper with election results." ...
Friday, March 5, 2010
U.S. to Clear Merger of Voting-Machine Makers - WSJ.com
U.S. to Clear Merger of Voting-Machine Makers - WSJ.com:
WASHINGTON—The Justice Department is poised to allow the merger of the U.S.'s two largest makers of voting machines, but the combined company will be required to divest a key electronic voting system, said people familiar with the matter.
WASHINGTON—The Justice Department is poised to allow the merger of the U.S.'s two largest makers of voting machines, but the combined company will be required to divest a key electronic voting system, said people familiar with the matter.
In September, closely held Election Systems & Software Inc. agreed to buy No. 2 voting-machine manufacturer Premier Election Solutions Inc., a money-losing unit of Diebold Inc.
The deal, which was valued at $5 million, was too small to trigger a mandatory federal antitrust review. But it generated a wave of opposition from election officials and others worried the deal would deprive voting precincts of choice and leave the country's election system more vulnerable to failures.
Following months of negotiations, the Justice Department and ES&S are near agreement on a settlement that would involve the company selling Premier's newest voting system—called Assure 1.2—to a competitor, most likely Hart InterCivic Inc., said people familiar with the matter. ...
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Time for people to get invested in municipal politics - northumberlandnews.com / indynews.ca
northumberlandnews.com / indynews.ca | Time for people to get invested in municipal politics:
Canadians simply don't trust politicians, and that's why they don't vote, says a Trent University professor.
Prof. Jonathon Greene, who teaches Canadian studies in the politics department at Peterborough's Trent University, said studies show voter turnout has been declining at the municipal, provincial and federal level because Canadians no longer have faith in politicians nor the political process.
... Prof. Greene added the younger a person is, the less likely they are to mark a ballot for any of the three levels of government. As a person's age increases, so too does voter turnout. Cobourg tracked the percentage of people in their 20s through 70s who voted in 2006, and the numbers consistently got higher as the 10-year age ranges rose. ...
Canadians simply don't trust politicians, and that's why they don't vote, says a Trent University professor.
Prof. Jonathon Greene, who teaches Canadian studies in the politics department at Peterborough's Trent University, said studies show voter turnout has been declining at the municipal, provincial and federal level because Canadians no longer have faith in politicians nor the political process.
... Prof. Greene added the younger a person is, the less likely they are to mark a ballot for any of the three levels of government. As a person's age increases, so too does voter turnout. Cobourg tracked the percentage of people in their 20s through 70s who voted in 2006, and the numbers consistently got higher as the 10-year age ranges rose. ...
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Vermont: Burlington rejects instant runoff voting | The Burlington Free Press | Burlington, Vermont
Burlington rejects instant runoff voting | The Burlington Free Press | Burlington, Vermont:
Burlington voters narrowly repealed an instant runoff voting system for mayor Tuesday, confirming a pronounced geographic division within the city.
The vote in favor of Question No. 5 on the city ballot was 3,972 to 3,669, with heavy repeal votes in more conservative New North End Wards 4 and 7 that offset majorities to retain IRV in the city’s five other wards.
...
Burlington voters narrowly repealed an instant runoff voting system for mayor Tuesday, confirming a pronounced geographic division within the city.
The vote in favor of Question No. 5 on the city ballot was 3,972 to 3,669, with heavy repeal votes in more conservative New North End Wards 4 and 7 that offset majorities to retain IRV in the city’s five other wards.
...
Hawaii’s all-mail congressional election set for May 22 | honoluluadvertiser.com | The Honolulu Advertiser
Hawaii’s all-mail congressional election set for May 22 | honoluluadvertiser.com | The Honolulu Advertiser:
The state Office of Elections has set May 22 to hold a special, all-mail election to fill the seat of former U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie.
Chief Election Officer Scott Nago on Tuesday issued the official proclamation.
...
The state Office of Elections has set May 22 to hold a special, all-mail election to fill the seat of former U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie.
Chief Election Officer Scott Nago on Tuesday issued the official proclamation.
...
West Virginia: Internet Absentee Voting Program To Be Tested in May - News, Sports, Jobs - The Intelligencer / Wheeling News-Register
Internet Absentee Voting Program To Be Tested in May - News, Sports, Jobs - The Intelligencer / Wheeling News-Register:
Marshall County has been chosen to participate in an online absentee voting project in the upcoming May primary election.
The goal of the project is to give all out-of-state military personnel, as well as overseas voters, the opportunity to cast their ballots through a secure Web site. The pilot program was adopted in response to passage of the federal Military and Overseas Voters Empowerment, or MOVE, act.
...
Marshall County has been chosen to participate in an online absentee voting project in the upcoming May primary election.
The goal of the project is to give all out-of-state military personnel, as well as overseas voters, the opportunity to cast their ballots through a secure Web site. The pilot program was adopted in response to passage of the federal Military and Overseas Voters Empowerment, or MOVE, act.
...
Thousands unable to vote in general election - Public Service
Thousands unable to vote in general election - Public Service:
Thousands of young people won't be able to vote in the general election because they won't be on the electoral register in time, according to a report from the Electoral Commission (EC). The commission also said that 40 per cent of electoral registration officers are not doing enough to promote registration.
The EC report said the problem was particularly bad among people aged 17 to 24, with 56 per cent not registered, and people from black and minority ethnic communities, where 31 per cent are not registered.
The main problem is people changing addresses, with just 21 per cent of those living at their present address for a year or less being registered to vote.
"A UK general election can be called at any time, and there might only be a few days to register to vote in time, once it has been called. Anyone who isn't sure if they are registered should visit www.aboutmyvote.co.uk now," said Jenny Watson, chair of the Electoral Commission.
...
Thousands of young people won't be able to vote in the general election because they won't be on the electoral register in time, according to a report from the Electoral Commission (EC). The commission also said that 40 per cent of electoral registration officers are not doing enough to promote registration.
The EC report said the problem was particularly bad among people aged 17 to 24, with 56 per cent not registered, and people from black and minority ethnic communities, where 31 per cent are not registered.
The main problem is people changing addresses, with just 21 per cent of those living at their present address for a year or less being registered to vote.
"A UK general election can be called at any time, and there might only be a few days to register to vote in time, once it has been called. Anyone who isn't sure if they are registered should visit www.aboutmyvote.co.uk now," said Jenny Watson, chair of the Electoral Commission.
...
Monday, March 1, 2010
Oregon offers online voter registration | - Oregonlive.com
Oregon offers online voter registration | - Oregonlive.com:
Oregonians can register to vote online starting today as Oregon becomes the fourth state in the nation to offer voters an electronic path to the polls.
The online registration system, which cost the state about $200,000 to set up, will be a cheaper, more secure and more accurate way to reach more voters, particularly the housebound, elderly and out-of-state members of the military, said Secretary of State Kate Brown. It also should attract more young voters who spend more time on the Internet, she said.
'One of my chief goals is to reduce barriers to people participating in the democratic process,' she said. ...
Oregonians can register to vote online starting today as Oregon becomes the fourth state in the nation to offer voters an electronic path to the polls.
The online registration system, which cost the state about $200,000 to set up, will be a cheaper, more secure and more accurate way to reach more voters, particularly the housebound, elderly and out-of-state members of the military, said Secretary of State Kate Brown. It also should attract more young voters who spend more time on the Internet, she said.
'One of my chief goals is to reduce barriers to people participating in the democratic process,' she said. ...
Liberals and NDP offer solutions to low voter turnout - CTV News
CTV Calgary- Liberals and NDP offer solutions to low voter turnout - CTV News, Shows and Sports -- Canadian Television:
Alberta opposition parties are suggesting ways to lure more people to the ballot box.
Alberta opposition parties are suggesting ways to lure more people to the ballot box.
The provincial New Democratic Party wants to look at fining eligible voters who don't cast a ballot. "I think people have rights and obligations in our society and I think participating in the collective governance of our society is an obligation that all citizens should take seriously," says Brian Mason, the leader of the NDP.
The Liberals are suggesting a tax break for those who do vote. "I would be inclined to give people an incentive rather than a penalty for voting – maybe a tax deduction or some tax credit if you vote – that sort of thing," says David Swann, the leader of the Liberals. ...
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