[James]

Big Brother target of Welsh vote



Voting should only take place by post at Welsh assembly elections and coverage must be aimed much more at fans of the TV hit Big Brother, says a new report.

Those are among the main recommendations of a study into why so few people bothered to turn out at this year's assembly election.

Just 38% voted in the second assembly election, with fewer than one in four - or 24% - in one constituency.

The Electoral Commission has published its examination of why so much of Wales seemed to be apathetic towards the vote.


Politicians and others need to make better connections between issues which affect people's daily lives

Glyn Mathias, Electoral Commission
The study suggested all-postal ballots to replace usual polling stations, as well as tests with "innovative" methods of voting, such as voting electronically by e-mail.

It also said traditional election reporting should be complemented by stories aimed at watchers of TV's Big Brother.

The commission said its "bold" recommendations followed an election turnout which presented a "serious challenge" to the political classes - which it defines as political junkies.

But the research suggested people would be more likely to vote if it was made easier and they could be persuaded that elections made a difference to their lives.

Glyn Mathias, the commissioner from Wales, said this showed interest in issues was stronger than interest in elections and politicians.


"Politicians and others need to make better connections between issues which affect people's daily lives and voting in an election," said Mr Mathias.

"It was clear from our focus group research that people often felt very strongly about public service issues that impact on their own lives and work.

Rest at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/3283385.stm

I'm not sure if they actually know what they are talking about. Though more votes have been cast in Big Brother than for certain political parties at elections, a lot of that is because of multiple voting.