Some 30 million pounds has been allocated to contribute to the cost of e-voting pilots till 2006. Applications should be made by 29 November 2002 and decisions on the e-voting pilots will be made by 15 January next year.
Last year, 2.5 million people had the chance to vote using different methods including e-voting, text messaging and postal votes, which increased turnout in some areas by an average of six per cent. Thirteen authorities ran e-voting and e-counting elections and 61 per cent of those who voted remotely did so by phone and internet rather than by post (see E-Government Bulletin, 02 August 2002).
Meanwhile in a separate report published last month, responding to an Electoral Commission evaluation of the 2002 pilot schemes, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister pledges to adopt an internationally recognised system for storing and interpreting electoral data - election mark-up language (EML).
It also says it will publish security requirements for commercial providers of electoral technology next year, and refine access standards for people with disabilities.
NOTE: The Electoral Commission last month published a consultation document examining the implications of online election campaigns. Responses must be submitted by 5 November 2002.
Quelle: Headstar
