§ 29. Siobhain McDonaghTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans he has to introduce new methods of voting in local government. [36673]
§ Dr. WhiteheadAs announced to the House on 5 and 13 February, we have given approval to 31 local authorities to run electoral modernisation of the pilot authorities to run electoral modernisation pilot schemes in the May 2002 local and mayoral elections. In addition to using traditional voting methods and all-postal voting, over half of the pilot authorities will explore innovative ways in which people can vote electronically. This programme will test new and easier arrangements while at the same time maintaining the integrity and security of the ballot. It will mark an important step towards making the electoral system easier to use and more relevant to today's society.