Blackburn pupils trial online voting for youth MP elections (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Blackburn pupils trial online voting for youth MP elections

11:16am Thursday 18th March 2010 in

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A NEW high-tech internet voting system is being trialled in a Blackburn high school.

St Bede’s High School is allowing students to log on to its web-based learning platform to cast votes in this week’s youth MP elections.

Headteacher Des Callaghan said they new system had increased the turnout and was allowing pupils to make informed choices.

Pupils at the Livesey Branch Road school can log on to the learning platform where they are given a written summary of each candidate and a presentation before voting.

To prevent voting irregularities students are only allowed to vote during ICT lessons The new system allows votes to be counted immediately and avoids mistakes that may lead to recounts.

Traditional ballot box voting is taking place in schools, colleges and a number of other Blackburn with Darwen Council partner organisations with the polls closing on Friday.

This year voters can choose from a list of 12 candidates all vying for the chance to represent the voice of young people in Blackburn with Darwen.

The would-be young MPs have been in training with the council's youth forum since January.

Mr Callaghan said: “So far it has been very good. There has been a much higher turnout then through the ballot box. We are pleased to be involved in the trial which is going well.

“We are particularly pleased at the turnout and pupils are making informed choices.

“It could be rolled out across all schools for youth elections ”