None of the above

The vote to give a voice when the choices given are not for you.

In just over 4 weeks across the UK voters will be going to the polls to enact their democratic voice by placing an X next to a name on a ballot paper.

Unfortunately in recent years democracy has suffered from voter apathy with numbers like 15-17% turnouts to vote in wards.

Some of those that do vote don’t wish to place their vote with any of the names on the ballot.

some are cast blank, some are cast with drawings of human anatomy on and others are cast with “None of the Above”.

these votes are counted as void ballots.

But in other parts of the world voters have a counted vote choice on the ballot of “None of The Above” or wording to that effete.

This allows voters to officially use their vote and make it count when they don’t wish to vote for any named candidates on the ballot.

A vote is a vote and is Democracy in action a vote against the names candidates should not be a void or invalid vote.

The voters democratic choice of none of the candidates is as valid as a vote cast for any of the names candidates.

The UK needs massive change in our Democratic system.

Change like proportional representation and a vote for government and separate vote for the local MP.

The urgent big change to protect the  democratic process is overcoming Voter apathy and reengagement between all levels of government candidates and voters.

A simple addition on the ballot of a counted choice of “None of The Above” that enables voters to cast a counted vote for none of the candidates would be a small easy to implement but huge democratic voice given to many who feel ignored or unable to afford any candidates their vote.

The “None of the Above” vote could be counted but not impact the election of the names Candidate with the highest votes.

alternatively if the None of The Above vote was higher than the highest named candidate it cold force a new poll or at least give candidates a wake up to the views of the wider electorate.

A mandatory “None of The Above” option on the ballot would also prevent uncontested elections even if only 1 candidate is nominated then voters would still get the right to cast a vote for the candidate or a counted vote against in a democratic way.

The addition would have almost zero cost implications adding to the ballot papers but could help reboot the democratic process of elections for the millions that have become disengaged become they feel they have no voice in elections.

Having stood in many elections and will stand again.

I would rather see many more step forward to vote regardless of the vote choice to help protect democracy by then voting “None of The Above” than just fell disconnected and not vote.

What do you think should “None of The Above” be an automatic choice on all ballot papers as a counted vote choice.