Elections: Voting Systems

Baroness Coussins Excerpts

Tuesday 5th October 2010 Lords Chamber

[Lord McNally]

My noble friend has raised that issue before and I share his concern. Proposals have been brought forward for individual registration and identification of postal votes. He is on the right road and I assure him that the Government will continue to pursue that course to make sure that our register is accurate and, as far as possible, fraud-free.

[Baroness Coussins]

My Lords, will the Government agree to give an open-minded look at the case for adopting the Australian system of compulsory voting?

[Lord McNally]

I can give the assurance that we will give an open-minded look. My suspicion, however, is that in both Houses and in general there will be reluctance to bring an element of compulsion into voting, although all parties would like to see greater participation.