MPs failing to use internet in voter apathy fight

A huge communication gap still exists between politicians and citizens despite government efforts to use the internet to try to engage the electorate.

The study of 3,150 members of the public highlighted ongoing issues with voter apathy and found that just one per cent of citizens have ever emailed their MP, while 50 per cent could not even name their local MP.

Over a third (38 per cent) said they would contact their MP if they knew the MP's email address while another 11 per cent, perhaps more honestly, admitted they simply have no interest in politics.

Almost half (45 per cent) of respondents believe the government should use the internet and email more to communicate with citizens. Voter apathy was, not surprisingly, higher among 18 to 34 year olds but they claim they would be more likely to vote in the forthcoming general election if they could do it online.

But, despite recent trials of internet, text message and phone voting in local elections and the widespread use of electronic voting methods in last year's US presidential election, there will be no 'e-voting' at the general election in May.

The study, sponsored by Telewest Business, also found that internet and email communication does not suit everyone, with people in the 55 to 60 year old age group less comfortable with e-voting.

Rod Matthews, director of IT at Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council, said in the report: "Being flexible in the way communication is handled makes all the difference when you are dealing with a wide range of people, who rely on different methods of communication for information."