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Hoon calls for compulsory voting Geoff Hoon will today back compulsory voting as a way of getting people more engaged in politics. In a controversial move, the Commons leader will also support progress towards voting by text in future elections. In a speech to the Institute for Public Policy Research he will suggests non-voters should either be fined or given a small incentive such as a council tax discount for turning up at the polling booth. He argues that voters should be entitled to spoil their ballot paper, so long as they attend the polling station. Or if voting becomes electronic they should at least register their decision not to vote. In the speech Hoon will argue that "international experience points to compulsory voting being the most effective way to increase turnout". It is "the most obvious way to bring those who feel alienated into the political process and the best means to enhance civic participation". It would also "bring back the sense that we can all work together", he will say. The Conservatives responded to Hoon's proposals by saying police should focus on cracking down on crime rather than forcing people to vote. Oliver Heald, shadow constitutional affairs secretary, also warned against any move to extend voting by text message. "Electronic voting is even more insecure than all-postal voting, and local election pilots have shown it to be both expensive and ineffective at increasing turnout," he said. "Polls like Big Brother may notionally attract large numbers, but they include large amounts of repeat voting and votes cast by those under the age of 18. "There is little public support to make it a criminal offence not to vote. "At a time when anti-social behaviour and violent crime is out of control, the police have better things to do. "The challenge for politicians is to excite electors with their ideas." |
