All-Postal Ballots Boost Turnout in UK Elections Amid Controversy

Strategic Insights -

The use of all-postal ballots for 30 per cent of UK voters in the recent European and local British council elections significantly increased their willingness to vote, according to the latest returns. Turnout in the regions using all-postal votes was higher than in previous elections, with a notable increase in the European elections. However, the turnout success was marred by controversy, with allegations of electoral fraud and incompetence being traded between ministers and the Tories. The apparent effect of all-postal voting on turnout makes it more likely that traditional voting will be phased out for local elections.

Key Takeaways:

  • The use of all-postal ballots for 30 per cent of UK voters in the European and local British council elections significantly increased their willingness to vote, with turnout ranging from 35-37 per cent in the four regions using all-postal votes.
  • This represents a 14-17.5 percentage point increase on the 1999 polls, when about one in five voters turned out.
  • The all-postal voting system may be phased out for local elections due to its apparent effect on increasing turnout.
  • The turnout in the four regions using all-postal votes was higher than in previous European and local elections.
  • The European polls in Britain and the Netherlands were the first wave of a mammoth round of elections in 25 countries, involving 350m voters.
  • The Gallup poll forecasts the overall turnout across Europe will be slightly higher than the 49.4 per cent in 1999.
  • The UK Independence Party (UKIP) is forecast to win 12 seats in the European elections, quadrupling its presence in the European parliament.
  • Centre-right parties would emerge as the strongest political group in the new European parliament, with 265 seats.

Statistics:

  • 35-37 per cent: turnout in the four regions (East Midlands, North East, North West, and Yorkshire and the Humber) using all-postal votes.
  • 14-17.5 percentage points: increase in turnout in the four regions using all-postal votes compared to the 1999 polls.
  • 50: minimum number of seats that overtly eurosceptic and nationalist parties are forecast to win in the new European parliament.
  • 732: total number of seats in the European parliament.
  • 265: number of seats that centre-right parties would emerge with in the new European parliament.

Sources:

  • The Financial Times: "Election updates: www.ft.com/ukelections"
  • EOS Gallup Europe: opinion poll for the European parliament.