Thursday elections could become a thing of the past under new plans laid out by the Prime Minister Gordon Brown, following a suggestion by Emily Thornberry in her chapter of a new book, ‘Politics for a New Generation'.
The book was launched last week by the Institute for Public Policy Research, and in her chapter on democratic engagement, Emily wrote that:
"...being serious about reducing inequalities in election turnout also means making it easier for everyone to vote. A straight-forward way to achieve this would be to move elections away from a regular work day."
Turnout in the 2005 general election in Islington was just 54% - and Emily has suggested that turnout in Islington and across the country could be raised by holding polling days at the weekend, or on a special mid-week bank holiday.
In a statement at the House of Commons, new Prime Minister Gordon Brown said:
"Disengagement is too often reflected in low turnout in elections. Britain is unusual in holding elections on weekdays when people are at work ... the Secretary of State for Justice [Jack Straw] will announce a consultation on whether there is a case for voting at weekends."
Emily said:
"I want to make it as easy as possible for people to vote, and I believe that shifting elections away from Thursdays would be a step it the right direction. I very much welcome Gordon Brown's proposal - and I am glad that we now have a Prime Minister who will listen to new ideas."
ENDS
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