NI voting procedures under review

By Mark Simpson BBC NI political correspondent

Northern Ireland voters may soon get the chance to vote for a complete nobody.

As part of a review of ballot paper formats, consideration is being given to allow people in the polling booths to put an X against "none of the above".

It is a UK-wide proposal, being studied by the Electoral Commission, the body which oversees the modernisation of voting procedures.

If the idea is approved, it would mean that rather than staying at home on polling day, those wishing to abstain could do so in person.

The reforms could be in place before the next general election

In the past, some people have simply spoiled their ballot papers by writing a blunt message on the voting slip or tearing it up.

A final decision on the possible changes is not expected until the middle of next year, which means any changes are likely to be too late for the Northern Ireland Assembly election, scheduled for 1 May 2003.

Candidates' names

But the reforms could be in place before the next general election.

The commission's review follows the low turnout of just 59% at the June 2001 general election. In Northern Ireland, the turn-out was much better - 68%.

Initial research is under way already and consultation papers will follow by the end of this year

The commission will examine a range of other issues, such as whether some people are disadvantaged by the traditional ballot paper layout arranging candidates' names alphabetically.

Some believe that those with surnames near the top of the alphabet - like Adams, Alderdice and Attwood - have an advantage over those close to the bottom, like Trimble, Taylor and Paisley.

Initial research is under way already, and consultation papers will follow by the end of this year, with the commission sending its recommendations to the government next spring for ministers to make final decisions.