Friday, April 15, 2005

UK Election: Concern over rise in postal vote

UK Election: Concern over rise in postal vote

Early voting arrives in Britain:

"A survey conducted by the Times found applications had increased by as much as five times in some marginal seats, compared with the 2001 election.

The number of applications in Cheadle, Greater Manchester, has seen an increase of 485% in postal vote applications.

The seat is currently held by the Liberal Democrats, with a majority of just 33.

In Dorset South, where Labour has a 153 lead, applications have increased to 192% of 2001 levels. "


The Times
reports: "In Braintree, where Labour is defending a majority of 358 over the Tories, applications have jumped from 3,000 to 10,000.In all the marginals surveyed, the increase would be enough for the seat to change hands."

It seems the rules for "postal voting" changed in 2000. Before that time voting by mail was only allowed for shut-ins and voters who would in fact be absent. Now anyone can apply and the parties are for the first time taking full advantage of the new rules, catching up to where we in Johnson County have been for quite some time.

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