None of the above?

By Julian Ware-Lane / @WareLane

I am grateful to Alex Hilton for his précis of the Power 2010 weekend forum and the proposed political reforms that were discussed. This forum has come up with 29 items, a lot of which need some detail before I feel able to pass comment.

However, there is one entry that caught my eye (it is second on the list): Allowing voters to vote for ‘none of the above’ on ballot papers. This is intended to give an outlet to the ‘damn the lot of them brigade’.

I am opposed to this for two reasons. Firstly, I very much believe in ‘put up or shut up’ approach to life. Secondly, what if ‘none of the above’ tops the poll? An unlikely scenario in most constituencies, but in those places where the pass-mark is low this becomes a possibility. I presume that another election would become necessary.

This has two potential outcomes. The first is that the particular constituency has no representation until the issue is resolved. The second is cost: elections are not cheap, with candidates spending anything up to £10,000 each, and the relevant local authority bearing the cost of holding the election.

Democracy should not be limited by price, but neither should it needlessly burden the taxpayer.

But even if the above two reasons could be dismissed, is a ‘none of the above’ option really it desirable? Elections are all subject to a statutory notice period – they are neither secret nor exclusive. Although a deposit and ten signatures are required, these are the only barriers to standing: if the ‘I do not like what you are offering’ brigade are really in need of an outlet, I suggest that it is already available.