Plans to let voters 'positively abstain'

Voters could get the chance to "positively abstain" under proposals being considered by an electoral watchdog.

As part of a review of ballot paper formats, the Electoral Commission, the body which oversees the modernisation of voting, is assessing the case for and the practicality of introducing positive abstention. This will give voters the option of ticking a box for "none of the above".

Such a change would allow voters who want to register their disaffection with the candidates a positive alternative to staying away from the polling stations. Some analysts said the proposal would cost votes for the Liberal Democrats because they had benefited from the erosion of trust in the Labour and the Conservatives.

The Commission's review, which follows the turnout of just 59 per cent at the June 2001 general election, will examine a range of other issues, such as whether some people are disadvantaged by the traditional ballot paper layout arranging candidates' names alphabetically from top to bottom. Candidates with a surnames beginning with a Y or W may have a disadvantage compared to an Ashdown, Blair or Duncan Smith.

The use of serial numbers on papers, which means that, in theory, a voter's choice could be traced, will also be examined.

The Commission has concluded that last year's general election turnout – worse than the previous post-war low in 1997 of 71.4 per cent – does not mean voters no longer care about politics. Instead it shows they object to the style or think that their vote will not make any difference. Abstention is worst among the 18 to 24 age group although it is rising through the 20s into the 30s.

In a separate review, the Commission will review candidate nomination procedures to see if they can be made more efficient. Both reviews will cover local and general elections in Britain, as well as elections to the Scottish Parliament and Welsh and Northern Ireland Assemblies.

Research is under way and consultation papers will follow by the end of this year, with the Commission sending its recommendations to the Government next spring.