Monday this week the Lords were debating the Electoral Administration Bill, which among other things aims to encourage more people – especially younger people – to vote. Which is good. One suggestion is to set up polling booths at supermarkets (next to the vegetables, perhaps). Another is to offer voting by text message. Well, really! Is that kewl? I don't think so!
Baroness Scott of Needham Market (Liberal Democrat) said it would mean "reducing democracy to the level of Strictly Come Dancing or Big Brother". I agree with the noble lady. Old fashioned as the traditional polling booth may be, with its stub of pencil (do they actually make them that short?) and rickety woodwork, it does create a feeling of taking part in democracy in some way, forcing you to think at least for a moment about where to mark your shaky cross. Going down the pub with your mates and sending the Returning Officer a text after a few pints isn't quite the same.
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