One thing i don't understand about voting....

[herecomesaregular]

....and it REALLY bugs me: Why do you never have to show proof of identity to vote?

People have fought wars and been prepared to die for the right to vote....... but i can just swan in, give them a form that i received in the post (and i live in communal flats with a communal post box so anyone could have picked that up) and that's it! totally open to fraudulent voting if you ask me and "we" have the nerve to be pious about other countries and their corrupt ways!

 

[hitony]

We didnt even have to show the forms, just said name and address.

 

[The Modfather]

Totally agree.

The whole system is open to corruption.

I have recently moved and have not received a ballot card, despite being on the voters roll.

I went down to the polling booth and gave them my name and address and they, and was given a ballot paper.

 

[Durlston]

Maybe there should be some sort of photo ID?

It was fairly strict at my polling station, checked my election number and address thoroughly but then i do look like someone that would vote for the BNP - not that i ever would!

 

[beorhthelm]

the system is basically unchanged since there was about 1000 eligable to vote and the returning officer and assistants could probably recognise everyone by face.

it is an oversight these days, though i beleive its relatively free from corruption. postal voting is where the real fraud is being conducted, with some fairly blantant abuses in some areas.

 

[pasty]

It is a bit archaic isn't it. Just for instance, say you know your next door neighbour is not going to vote. Nothing to stop you turning up at the polling station, saying this is name and address, I forgot my polling card and voting in their name. Go back later and place your own vote.

 

[King Kong]

It is a bit archaic isn't it. Just for instance, say you know your next door neighbour is not going to vote. Nothing to stop you turning up at the polling station, saying this is name and address, I forgot my polling card and voting in their name. Go back later and place your own vote.

the man speaks from experience

 

[The Phoenix]

I got two sent to me, one at my home address and one at my student address. If home was any closer then I could just go back there and vote aswell.

 

[Mr Apples]

The introduction of ID cards would sort that out.

:lightsbluetouchpaper:

 

[Gazwag]

Showing ID would just slow everything up even more so and would reduce the pathetic turnout.

 

[drew]

We all know the system is archaic. There should be compulsory voting and move the polling day to a Saturday or even hold it over two days to ensure everyone gets the chance to vote. The returning officers have got a lot to answer for. And having ridiculed the US for their scandal in 2000 when Gore won, the boot is now on the other foot.