 Millions tuned into Big Brother, but are turned off by elections |
Voting should only take place by post at Welsh assembly elections and coverage must be aimed much more at fans of the TV hit Big Brother, says a new report. Those are among the main recommendations of a study into why so few people bothered to turn out at this year's assembly election.
Just 38% voted in the second assembly election, with fewer than one in four - or 24% - in one constituency.
The Electoral Commission has published its examination of why so much of Wales seemed to be apathetic towards the vote.
The study suggested all-postal ballots to replace usual polling stations, as well as tests with "innovative" methods of voting, such as voting electronically by e-mail. It also said traditional election reporting should be complemented by stories aimed at watchers of TV's Big Brother.
The commission said its "bold" recommendations followed an election turnout which presented a "serious challenge" to the political classes - which it defines as political junkies.
But the research suggested people would be more likely to vote if it was made easier and they could be persuaded that elections made a difference to their lives.
Glyn Mathias, the commissioner from Wales, said this showed interest in issues was stronger than interest in elections and politicians.
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"Politicians and others need to make better connections between issues which affect people's daily lives and voting in an election," said Mr Mathias. "It was clear from our focus group research that people often felt very strongly about public service issues that impact on their own lives and work.
'Welsh disease'
"They may feel dissatisfied, but do not necessarily see participating in a National Assembly election as a way of expressing that dissatisfaction or as likely to bring about a solution to their problems."
The commission said that low turnout was far from a "Welsh disease", but there were specific Welsh factors.
The report also found:
A need for more information about the National Assembly, its powers, responsibilities and achievements.  Ballot boxes may be unnecessary for the next assembly election |
People perceived that the assembly had failed to deliver against their expectations. However, hostility to devolution was limited. The low-key nature of the campaign in many areas of Wales affected turnout. Some potential voters also said there was little to distinguish between the parties. Only 19% of under-35s voted and the commission said a great deal of work had to be done to involve younger people. Media coverage: The report said it was treated as a "second order" election and "for the most part" gave it low prominence. But the report also emphasised positive findings.
It found little evidence of a decline in interest in politics, despite the drop in turnout.
Relatively few voters believed devolution had worsened either the way Wales was governed or the delivery of public services.
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Politicians and others need to make better connections between issues which affect people's daily lives 
