Going high-tech
January 20, 2000 12:00 AM
By Cllr Ray Fincher, Liberal Democrat Group Leader in Feltham Chronicle/Hounslow Chronicle
By Cllr Ray Fincher, Liberal Democrat Group Leader in Feltham Chronicle/Hounslow Chronicle
The committee of the council for January had no queues jostling to join us on our evening of jolly entertainment.
However we had some weighty matters to discuss, including concerns listed in the annual management letter audit of accounts.
Following questions to the leader we understood that we could expect proposals to come forward in March to address the weakness highlighted in the internal IT systems in the Civic Centre.
Then we had a motion from the Tory group deploring the Government's intention to introduce "by stealth" - their words, not mine - changes in voting arrangements contained in the Electoral Procedures Bill.
Our group has reservations about some of the measures that may be piloted, but could not support a motion which seemed to tip over into the bizarre-speak so loved by our Tory friends.
The bill addresses the need to encourage people to vote and a cross party Home Office working party had contributed to early consideration of the measures.
Whatever else is wrong, stealth is not one.
The Lib Dems can see advantages in secure electronic voting and counting, but voting at any polling station would depend on complete assurance that fraudulent returns would not be possible.
We also have problems with mobile polling stations and voting spread over days.
There would certainly be a need for secrecy on early voting trends to prevent press and party spin doctors attempting to influence second or third day voters.
We expressed concerns where we had them and qualified support on other matters.
On the up side, the Tory motion said things like "the bill could radically alter the political balance of this country".
"Yes please," is our response to that.
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