Voting starts on the web (From Stroud News and Journal)

Voting starts on the web

VOTING for next week's district council elections begins tomorrow, Thursday, April 24.

The council will begin accepting votes by internet and telephone from 7am. Electronic voting will be available until 12 noon on Tuesday, April 29.

The full election will take place on Thursday, May 1 when those eligible will be able to vote at polling stations in the normal way. One third of district council seats are up for election.

There will also be a vote to choose a Stroud parish councillor for the Trinity ward. Other parish council seats were filled by default after too few candidates stood to merit an election.

Stroud is one of only 17 places in the country to offer electronic voting this year. The scheme is being pioneered to encourage wider participation in elections. It is hoped that by 2005 it will be employed everywhere.

Stroud District Council is running e-voting roadshows in Stroud this week to demonstrate how easy the online ballot paper is to use. More details can be found on the council's website at www.stroud.gov.uk and on the poll cards due to be sent out before the election.

Local politicians have already pledged their support to the electronic scheme.

Stroud MP David Drew said: "I welcome the way the election pilot will give people as much choice as possible. I particularly hope disabled and young voters will find it easier and more convenient."

Thrupp Parish Council clerk Robin Hunt said: "I am hugely in favour of internet voting. "I will be voting online myself."