Voters have been given the chance to try an electronic card that could spell the end for ballot papers.

Council officials in Newham, east London, asked residents to have a go on the computers which will be used for the mayoral and local authority polls on 2 May.

Instead of scribbling away with a chewed pencil on a length of string, electors get the chance to make their choice by touching a computer screen.

To background strains of a Caribbean-style steel band, council staff showed them the process in a mock-up polling booth at Rathbone Market, Canning Town.

Fast results

Voters will be given a card to gain access to the machine and then told to make their selection.

The information will be recorded on a cartridge with back-up on the computer's hard disk.

After the polls close, the cartridge is removed and rushed to the town hall for the count.

A council spokeswoman said: "E-voting and counting can produce a result in 35 minutes."

The screens, which are hooded to provide privacy while voting, can fold up into suitcase-size packages for easy mobility.

Early voting

Electoral staff plan to take them to old people's homes, hospitals and sheltered accommodation.

Deputy returning officer Chris Hannan said: "Patients normally excluded will be able to vote."

From 24 April to 29 April, polling booths will be open at locations throughout the borough - including on 26 April at Stratford station - to allow people who may not be able to make it on 2 May to vote early.

But the computer will ensure they do not vote more than once.