Voter Turnout - Postal Vote Not Likely To Reverse Trend

Postal voting will not have an appreciable effect on voter turnout at the next General Election, according to a MORI survey commissioned by the Institute for Citizenship. The survey shows that awareness of how to obtain a postal vote has no effect on those saying they are certain or very likely to vote at the next General Election.

69% of those questioned said they were either certain to vote or likely to vote at the next General Election. When the ease of obtaining a postal vote was explained, again 69% of those questioned said they were certain to vote or very likely to vote.

"Turnout at the next General Election is expected to be the lowest in over 50 years," said Jenny Talbot, Chief Executive of the Institute for Citizenship, when commenting on the survey results. "Postal voting has been seen as a vital plank in efforts to reverse the downward trend in voter turnout. These survey results indicate that postal voting alone will not be the answer. Reversing the trend in voter turnout will take a concerted effort on the part of everyone keen to see democracy flourish in the UK."

Technical Notes

Survey base: MORI interviewed 892 British adults aged 18+. Interviews conducted face-to-face, in respondents' homes, in 194 sampling points across Great Britain. Data weighted to the known population profile.

The Institute for Citizenship would like to hear ideas from the general public on what would encourage them to get out and vote. A page on the Institute's website - www.citizen.org.uk/voting.htm - has been set up to solicit and report ideas.

Topline Results

• MORI interviewed 892 British adults aged 18+
• Interviews were conducted face-to-face, in respondents' homes, in 194 sampling points across Great Britain.
• Fieldwork took place between 19-24 April 2001
• Results are based on all respondents
• Data are weighted to the known population profile
• An '*' indicates a finding of less than 0.5%, but greater than zero
• Poll conducted by MORI on behalf of the Institute for Citizenship

Q1 From this card, can you tell me how likely you are to vote at the next Election?

Q2 The government has changed the law so that registered voters can obtain a postal vote if they want one. They can do this by ringing their local Council and asking for a postal vote. Bearing this in mind, how likely are you to vote at the next Election?