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19 Oct 00

VOTING AT THE TOUCH OF A BUTTON

New high tech electronic voting will be used for the first time in Poole when service users from Fourways Day Centre elect their Client Committee next week.

Based at Constitution Hill, Fourways provides a range of day services for those with physical disabilities, sensory loss and recovering from mental illness. The Fourways Client Committee makes decisions for the Centre's users on issues such as health and safety, fund raising and facilities. From 23 to 27 October 2000, the 287 service users who make up the electorate will vote for their Committee Members.

Four members - the Chairperson, Treasurer, Entertainments Officer and Welfare Secretary - will be elected using an electronic voting machine supplied by Powervote Ltd. The other eleven members will be elected using the traditional ballot paper method.

The portable electronic voting machine is brief case sized and includes a keypad, a computer screen and two privacy screens which extend from either side of the lid.

Debbie Frampton, Electoral Services Officer, Borough of Poole, said: "This is a very exciting occasion which will give electors a chance to try out this new technology. It will also be a great opportunity for us to compare the tried and tested ballot paper and box with the new electronic system. We'll be monitoring the efficiency of both the systems and we'll be asking the electors whether they found the electronic machine easy to use. Everyone has been enthusiastic about this election and we are looking forward to a really high turnout."
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Note to Editors:
Two positions on the Client Committee - Secretary and Vice-Chairperson - stand uncontested.

Debbie Frampton, Electoral Services Officer