What method do you prefer to use to vote?

[61653 HTAFC]

I'm very old-school... I enjoy voting in person and it feels like something to be proud of, given the people before me who gave their lives so that we have the right to vote. Obviously postal voting is a necessity for those unable to vote in person, but I feel everyone who is capable of voting in person (and isn't on holiday or whatever) should do so. I'd almost favour the compulsory voting system used in Australia, though I do have some reservations about any compelled action even with spoiling your ballot being available as a "none of the above" option.

I'd be very concerned if we introduced electronic voting, whether with US style voting machines (I remember the "hanging chads" fiasco in 2000) or especially over the internet. There's no substitute for paper ballots counted by hand in terms of reliability and transparency. Bring your own biro though!

 

[najaB]

Writing this has caused me to wonder how many other advanced democracies have postal voting, and if they regard it as a good thing?

Most* and Yes.

*I'd actually say that postal and/or early voting is part of what qualifies a country as an 'advanced democracy'.

I'd be very concerned if we introduced electronic voting, whether with US style voting machines (I remember the "hanging chads" fiasco in 2000) or especially over the internet.

The hanging chads issue was actually caused by the fact that they didn't use electronic voting. The machines in use at the time worked by punching a hole into a physical ballot card. The eponymous 'hanging' chad was where the button press wasn't done forcefully enough and the chad (the small piece of card) wasn't cleanly removed and instead was left attached to the card. This required manual examination of every card that didn't have clean holes to see if they could ascertain the voter's intent.

 

[ValentaFan1974]

Went to postal votes in 2015 and not looked back since. Would never go back to voting in person. It’s convenient and means if I’m not around on polling day that my vote has already been cast.

I’ve posted my vote off today

 

[Trackman]

Most* and Yes.

*I'd actually say that postal and/or early voting is part of what qualifies a country as an 'advanced democracy'.


The hanging chads issue was actually caused by the fact that they didn't use electronic voting. The machines in use at the time worked by punching a hole into a physical ballot card. The eponymous 'hanging' chad was where the button press wasn't done forcefully enough and the chad (the small piece of card) wasn't cleanly removed and instead was left attached to the card. This required manual examination of every card that didn't have clean holes to see if they could ascertain the voter's intent.

Going back to electronic voting and punch card machines, why can't we use some sort of OCR machine to check the ballot papers? I suppose the only human intervention would be to unfold the ballot paper.

 

[61653 HTAFC]

The hanging chads issue was actually caused by the fact that they didn't use electronic voting. The machines in use at the time worked by punching a hole into a physical ballot card. The eponymous 'hanging' chad was where the button press wasn't done forcefully enough and the chad (the small piece of card) wasn't cleanly removed and instead was left attached to the card. This required manual examination of every card that didn't have clean holes to see if they could ascertain the voter's intent.

Fair point- I should have used the term "mechanical voting" in reference to the 2000 US election. However my point stands that the KISS principle (Keep It Simple, Stupid!) should apply when it comes to voting. Using things like hole-punch machines or computers introduces a point of failure that doesn't need to be there... and even if it is in reality a 100% reliable method, the "black box" nature of those systems leaves things open to questioning by those with dishonourable aims.

Paper ballots with indelible pens, and hand counting by human beings, has worked well for a very long time. It isn't perfect of course, and still subject to possible interference by those with nefarious intent... but the effort that would be required to make any significant difference to the outcome (whilst also getting away with it) is a large disincentive to those who may wish to attempt such a thing. Just because something is new and shiny, doesn't mean it is automatically an improvement.

 

[najaB]

Going back to electronic voting and punch card machines, why can't we use some sort of OCR machine to check the ballot papers? I suppose the only human intervention would be to unfold the ballot paper.

I'm totally in favour of that, and in the USA they simply don't fold the ballot at all.

However my point stands that the KISS principle (Keep It Simple, Stupid!) should apply when it comes to voting. Using things like hole-punch machines or computers introduces a point of failure that doesn't need to be there... and even if it is in reality a 100% reliable method, the "black box" nature of those systems leaves things open to questioning by those with dishonourable aims.

Though, as 2000 demonstrated, the role of machines was just to speed up the count - the physical ballots were still available for manual recounts.

 

[AM9]

I've always* voted in person, I couldn't justify refusing to perform a hard won democratic right even if I didn't support any of the candidates.

* I think I missed a couple of elections way back in the '70s and early '80s when an ASLEF strike and late notice of a business need may have prevented attending. More recently, my wife took my proxy vote for the local elections on May 2 as I had a hospital procedure on that day and was unable to walk the 400m to the polling station.​

 

[61653 HTAFC]

Though, as 2000 demonstrated, the role of machines was just to speed up the count - the physical ballots were still available for manual recounts.

It was still a needlessly complicated process though. A cross in a box wouldn't have had the "hanging chads" issue. Electronic counting of paper ballots would be possible by now, but as you still need the hand-counters available anyway in case of anomalies and errors, you may as well just count them by hand in the first place.

 

[najaB]

It was still a needlessly complicated process though. A cross in a box wouldn't have had the "hanging chads" issue.

Nor would a better design of voting machine, as is used now. Though "hanging chads" was the term that hit the headlines, the real issue was with dimpled chads - where an impression or partial hole was made but it didn't go all the way though. Each side argued that it did/did not constitute a clear voting intention depending on if the ballot would have favoured their candidate.

Newer machines don't have this issue - either the hole is there which completes a circuit and the light/indicator goes on, or it is not.

 

[61653 HTAFC]

Nor would a better design of voting machine, as is used now. Though "hanging chads" was the term that hit the headlines, the real issue was with dimpled chads - where an impression or partial hole was made but it didn't go all the way though. Each side argued that it did/did not constitute a clear voting intention depending on if the ballot would have favoured their candidate.

Newer machines don't have this issue - either the hole is there which completes a circuit and the light/indicator goes on, or it is not.

That's still a needless complication though. How in any way does this improve on the tried-and-tested paper ballots? Other than lucrative contracts for the companies that make the machines?

 

[mm333]

I’ve always had a sense of occasion going to the polling station. Aged 6, I was in the car when my dad ferried little old ladies to the polling station on behalf of the Liberals at the 1979 election. But now, with work keeping me away a fair bit, I vote by post.

 

[TheSmiths82]

I always vote in person, there is something wonderful about the experience, and there is little chance of bumping into Tory or Reform voters at my polling station

 

[1D54]

Have never voted in any other way than turning up in person. I'm dreading this one as I'll be voting for another party for the first time ever, i first voted in the 79 GE but seriously considered not bothering this time but i see it as a duty so will once again be taking the same route to the same place as i did 45 years ago.

 

[sprunt]

Postal vote that I forget to post in time and so have to go to the polling station to hand in anyway.

 

[Jan Mayen]

I do Postal Voting, simply the Polling Station isn't nearby, don't drive and it annoys me being asked if I'm going to vote for a party, I politely said that's between me and the Cross in the box

I thought they wern't allowed to ask who you voted for. The people outside my polling station just ask for your number so they know you have voted, and won't need to chase you up (which they would only do if they knew you had said you were going to vote for their party!)

 

[Busaholic]

Since my first election in 1970 I've always voted in person, and was planning to continue doing so. However, a few days after this election was called, I had the mother of all stomach upsets which poleaxed me for five days, and I realised I'd need to apply for a postal vote in case something occurred on July 4th to prevent me going, which I duly did. The situation now is that I haven't received the ballot paper through the post, although the postal service round my way is at its worst ever in the sense that you get a deluge of post once a week, then nothing. I'm now feeling that, even if it came through tomorrow I wouldn't be prepared to put it back into the post in case it didn't arrive in time and get counted. So, assuming it does arrive I shall have to present it in person, which isn't what I'd planned for.

 

[DC1989]

I always vote in person though I did consider the idea of applying for a postal vote. My polling station is around 15 mins away so a 30min round trip. I can see why many would want to avoid having to do that. You have to make it easy for people to do things imo - adding any level of 'friction' leads to lower turnout

 

[Bevan Price]

I liked to vote in person. I requested a postal vote during the Covid epidemic, assuming it was a one-off request. However, they keep sending me postal votes, and I haven't bothered to cancel them. At least it means I don't get soaked in he 10 minute walk to & from the polling station.

 

[simonw]

I thought they wern't allowed to ask who you voted for. The people outside my polling station just ask for your number so they know you have voted, and won't need to chase you up (which they would only do if they knew you had said you were going to vote for their party!)

Correct A teller will ask for your voter number or name and address if you don't have your card. They won't ask who you are voting for. Some voters will only share their information with the party they are voting for, but most tellers pool this information.

And a voter is free to ignore any of all tellers.

 

[Busaholic]

And a voter is free to ignore any of all tellers.

My approach entirely. Tellers are not an official part of the election process.

 

[GusB]

I prefer to vote in person but, due to the stupid voter ID requirements, I decided to request a postal vote; I don't have a passport and my driving licence is a paper one. Applying for a postal vote only required my National Insurance number and a photo of my signature, so it seemed like the easiest option. My ballot paper eventually arrived this morning, but I'll be going into town either later today or Wednesday to deliver it by hand, as I don't trust Royal Mail to get it there in time.

I could have applied for a voter ID certificate, but the amount of faff involved is unbelievable. If I'd applied for it digitally, I'd have needed a scanner for my birth certificate and the passport photo; if I'd applied for it on paper, I'd have needed a printer to produce paper copies of my council tax bill and bank statement. I would have found a way to get around these obstacles, but how many others would bother? I'm fortunate in that I'm the householder in my property and I have access to the relevant documents - what about those who are in flat-shares who pay rent, bills and council tax combined?

It makes me really angry that the Tories have put up barriers that prevent people from voting because of a miniscule amount of voter fraud. The problem for them is that much of their electorate is going to be in a similar position: digitally illiterate, not holding passports and living long enough in the same place for them not to hold photographic driving licences.

 

[AM9]

I prefer to vote in person but, due to the stupid voter ID requirements, I decided to request a postal vote; I don't have a passport and my driving licence is a paper one. Applying for a postal vote only required my National Insurance number and a photo of my signature, so it seemed like the easiest option. My ballot paper eventually arrived this morning, but I'll be going into town either later today or Wednesday to deliver it by hand, as I don't trust Royal Mail to get it there in time.

I could have applied for a voter ID certificate, but the amount of faff involved is unbelievable. If I'd applied for it digitally, I'd have needed a scanner for my birth certificate and the passport photo; if I'd applied for it on paper, I'd have needed a printer to produce paper copies of my council tax bill and bank statement. I would have found a way to get around these obstacles, but how many others would bother? I'm fortunate in that I'm the householder in my property and I have access to the relevant documents - what about those who are in flat-shares who pay rent, bills and council tax combined?

It makes me really angry that the Tories have put up barriers that prevent people from voting because of a miniscule amount of voter fraud. The problem for them is that much of their electorate is going to be in a similar position: digitally illiterate, not holding passports and living long enough in the same place for them not to hold photographic driving licences.

It was a crude Conservative ploy to discourage less well connected members of the electorate from voting, on the assumption that it would impact more on Labour-leaning voters. If it did achieve their aims then the position that the Tories are in is worse that they thought. The justification fot it's rapid introduction was based on a myth, I.e. voter fraud at polling stations is virtually zero, and way below any level that might impair the Conservative party's election performance.
Your presumption that it was a shot in the party's own foot is not necessarily true, as anybody still driving over the age of 70 will have a photo licence at zero cost, irrespective of the time living at the same address. Also, a significant proportion will also hold an ENCTS (or other UK nation equivalent) bus pass or a blue badge.

 

[davews]

I always thought it was strange that although they send everybody a polling card it is not necessary to produce that to vote. Having to produce the polling card and overstamping it to say you have voted would have been a first step to reducing polling fraud. Instead they have disenthranhised many who don't have passport/driving licence/ENCTS and have to go through the ropes to prove who they are.
I usually use my ENCTS as the photograph on there is far better than the one on my driving licence and personally don't have an issue in having to show it but it shouldn't be necessary.

 

[Hadlow Road]

I prefer to vote in person but, due to the stupid voter ID requirements, I decided to request a postal vote; I don't have a passport and my driving licence is a paper one. Applying for a postal vote only required my National Insurance number and a photo of my signature, so it seemed like the easiest option. My ballot paper eventually arrived this morning, but I'll be going into town either later today or Wednesday to deliver it by hand, as I don't trust Royal Mail to get it there in time.

I could have applied for a voter ID certificate, but the amount of faff involved is unbelievable. If I'd applied for it digitally, I'd have needed a scanner for my birth certificate and the passport photo; if I'd applied for it on paper, I'd have needed a printer to produce paper copies of my council tax bill and bank statement. I would have found a way to get around these obstacles, but how many others would bother? I'm fortunate in that I'm the householder in my property and I have access to the relevant documents - what about those who are in flat-shares who pay rent, bills and council tax combined?

It makes me really angry that the Tories have put up barriers that prevent people from voting because of a miniscule amount of voter fraud. The problem for them is that much of their electorate is going to be in a similar position: digitally illiterate, not holding passports and living long enough in the same place for them not to hold photographic driving licences.

But if you could provide your NI number, your date of birth and a non-smiling photo then that would fulfil the requirements without all the faff of combinations of forms. Or it would in the Welsh listing that I’ve just read. But I do agree about the thin end of the wedge to disenfranchise people.
The alternative is i/d cards. But that would require being properly set up with proper, working controls and restraints…

 

[Stephen42]

I prefer to vote in person but, due to the stupid voter ID requirements, I decided to request a postal vote; I don't have a passport and my driving licence is a paper one. Applying for a postal vote only required my National Insurance number and a photo of my signature, so it seemed like the easiest option. My ballot paper eventually arrived this morning, but I'll be going into town either later today or Wednesday to deliver it by hand, as I don't trust Royal Mail to get it there in time.

I could have applied for a voter ID certificate, but the amount of faff involved is unbelievable. If I'd applied for it digitally, I'd have needed a scanner for my birth certificate and the passport photo; if I'd applied for it on paper, I'd have needed a printer to produce paper copies of my council tax bill and bank statement. I would have found a way to get around these obstacles, but how many others would bother? I'm fortunate in that I'm the householder in my property and I have access to the relevant documents - what about those who are in flat-shares who pay rent, bills and council tax combined?

It makes me really angry that the Tories have put up barriers that prevent people from voting because of a miniscule amount of voter fraud. The problem for them is that much of their electorate is going to be in a similar position: digitally illiterate, not holding passports and living long enough in the same place for them not to hold photographic driving licences.

Where are you getting that information? If you have a National Insurance number (and date of birth) both the paper form and digital route don't require any documents to be provided. The digital option requires a digital photo that has similar requirements to a passport photo (against plain background, head and shoulders, no filters etc), it does not need to be a passport photo. A high quality scan might be accepted, but it's expected that people send a photo taken from a phone/camera or send the digital version from a passport booth/photographer if they did that for something else.

I always thought it was strange that although they send everybody a polling card it is not necessary to produce that to vote. Having to produce the polling card and overstamping it to say you have voted would have been a first step to reducing polling fraud. Instead they have disenthranhised many who don't have passport/driving licence/ENCTS and have to go through the ropes to prove who they are.
I usually use my ENCTS as the photograph on there is far better than the one on my driving licence and personally don't have an issue in having to show it but it shouldn't be necessary.

Of the few recorded cases of personation, many involve family members trying to vote for other family members they know would not vote and are likely have access to the polling card. While everybody should be sent a polling card, the nature of the postal system will lead to people potentially not receiving one/people losing them after receipt. Polling cards don't have any security features so could be easily copied as well.

 

[StoneRoad]

During the covid-19 pandemic I arranged for postal votes, and ticked the until I tell you otherwise option.
So Postal for me.

I prefer it as it stops me arguing with the tellers outside that ask for whom I'm voting - they're not allowed to ask that ! you can tell them if you want but all they are actually allowed to ask is "have you voted ? / are you voting ?" when counting for turnout.
One clerk, several elections ago, got rather fed up with them causing minor chaos and made them sit in the area outside the polling station ...

This election, I'm taking some friends / neighbours down to the polling station to help with parking etc.

 

[GatwickDepress]

In-person. I've always lived less than five minutes walk from a polling station, so it's no skin off my back to take a short detour on the way to or from work. .

 

[gg1]

I prefer it as it stops me arguing with the tellers outside that ask for whom I'm voting - they're not allowed to ask that ! you can tell them if you want but all they are actually allowed to ask is "have you voted ? / are you voting ?" when counting for turnout.

I've voted in every GE, every Euro election and most council elections the past 30 years and have never been asked that, either if I've voted or who I've voted for.

 

[JamesT]

Are the people asking how someone has voted definitely a Teller, or could they be someone conducting an exit poll? Which clearly isn't illegal, or we wouldn't have the broadcasters giving their predicted result as soon as the polls closed.

 

[Benters]

In person, as early as possible, then the rest of my day's free. The polling station is less than five minutes' walk from my house, anyhow.