Report to the People
e-Democracy
Men in monkey suits aside, you were probably not riveted by the coverage of last week’s English local elections. In Scotland we sometimes stand accused of not taking enough interest in our own councils, never mind ones hundreds of miles away.
However, amongst the usual talk of swings and implications for national elections, was one new development which may help counter our lack of enthusiasm for choosing who to send to the Town Hall.
For the first time, some voters could exercise their democratic right in a way which suited them. A series of small trials allowed people to vote on the Internet, or through touch-screen kiosks in accessible places such as supermarkets. Others could cast their vote using a text message from their mobile and several councils held all-postal ballots. (Better news for those less comfortable with modern technology.)
The point of this move is simple – to boost turnout and make local governments more representative and more accountable.
An open and accessible democracy is a strong and healthy one. However, some traditional aspects of our democracy can all too easily exclude people with busy 21st Century lives. While politicians at all levels of government are working to make themselves as accessible as possible while in office, this might seem a bit hollow to those unable to vote for (or indeed against) them in the first place.
So can we in Scotland learn from the English experiments? We also have worries about low turn-outs at local elections. And, especially in areas such as Greenock, we are ready to embrace new technology. Would, then, the freedom to choose how, where and when to vote be a shot in the arm for our local democracy?
We could soon find out.
At the end of last year, the Scottish Parliament passed a Local Government Bill which, following representations from councils, lets them put forward ideas for pilot schemes of more flexible voting methods.
Of course voting with a PIN number rather than a Polling Card is nothing like the complete answer to the challenges facing local democracy. People must also feel their Councils can make a real difference to their lives. This means, amongst many other things, having the best policies for the local community and the ability to implement them.
But making it easier to vote could play an important part in bringing some of this about. By sending a clear message that local government is modern, accessible and inclusive, the relationship between councils and their citizens can only be strengthened.
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