The path to reengaging people with democracy

Democracy is in decline as people disconnect and the void grows between voters and elected officials.

The democratic system in the UK is broken and needs radical reform.

The reform will be a long path to travel and need radical and out of the box approaches taken to reboot democracy and ensure it engages and represents all in the UK.

There are many big changes but along the way and to start some small east to implement changes could deliver big benefits for democracy.

The voter turn out at elections has been is decline for years with some local elections with turnout of voters as low as 15% as voters have disconnected and feel there votes don’t count or they feel candidates don’t represent them and have made no attempt to engage as the rift between voters and elected representatives grows.

My personal view is that everyone who is legally entitled to vote should vote as part of a health democracy.

The registration to vote should be automatic rather than have to register to vote.

I also believe like other countries voting should be mandatory.

However I know this could be seen by some as forced to vote for candidates when they feel they can’t.

This is one reason the ballot papers should all have the option of None of The Above as a counted vote in every election.

This option is a valid part of elections in other countries with the vote option counted and enabling those who would otherwise not vote to cast a vote against the candidates standing and excessive the democratic process.

Other small changes that would make a big difference to elections is the elections process of campaign and engagement.

We are all aware at election time the flurry of election flyers landing through the door.

however these are often full of colourful spin and little fact and information about the candidates.

I believe that a combined official booklet listing a profile and information about each candidate that the voters in a ward can vote for issued by the council with polling cards would ensure every voter has information on each candidate and cut the flyers that often end up straight in the bin.

The other change that would greatly boost engagement is hustings were candidates face directly questions from voters.

I believe that across the UK communities have an ideal delivery provider for hustings with support and finance backing Parish councils could be tasked with a remit at election times to hold hustings in there communities that candidates are expected to attend and face questions by the community.

The above are not a few very small steps on a long path to reboot our democracy.

Small but changes that could help start the process to reconnect voters with democratic process and give the voice and power back into the hands of the People and Place.