Hundreds join campaign for 'none of the above' option on ballot papers as voters become disenchanted
An online petition that calls for General Election ballot forms to be changed so voters can declare they dislike all candidates is gaining fast momentum – on the back of increasing disenchantment with the political establishment.
The petition urges the Government to permanently adopt a 'none of the above' category on ballots, starting with the next election.
It has been submitted as part of a democratic initiative which lets anyone create a petition to ask for a change to the law or to government policy.
After 10,000 signatures, ministers are obliged to respond and after 100,000 names are collected, the issue is considered for debate in Parliament.
Voters are already able to abstain or spoil their ballot, but supporters of the 'None of the above' idea want the option of formally recording a vote for no candidate, in order to register a big thumbs-down for all those standing in their constituency.
An online petition that calls for General Election ballot forms to be changed so voters can declare they dislike all candidates is gaining fast momentum
Organisers point to widespread lack of faith in politicians of all the main parties and say distrust of Westminster is at an historic low
The petition currently has more than 1,300 signatures. It suggests that if the idea was introduced and 'None of the above' won the most votes in a constituency or council ward, it should be considered that the election is re-run
The move follows the use of a similar system in some areas of America where election law allows people to mark their ballots for 'none of these candidates'.
In February, Nikki Haley, Donald Trump's then main rival for the Republicans' presidential candidacy, suffered huge embarrassment when she lost to 'none of these candidates' in the vote in Nevada, even though Trump's name was not on the ballot paper.
Organisers of the petition in Britain say the idea could 'enhance democratic choice and allow voters to express dissatisfaction'.
They point to widespread lack of faith in politicians of all the main parties and say distrust of Westminster is at an historic low.
A survey published last week in the Daily Mail by pollster Lord Ashcroft showed that 57 per cent of those surveyed did not think that the values or outlook on life of either Labour or the Tories were close to those of the British public.
Meanwhile 48 per cent did not know if Rishi Sunak or Sir Keir Starmer would make the best prime minister.
These findings are strong evidence that many voters could be persuaded to back the 'None of the above' campaign.
After 10,000 signatures, ministers are obliged to respond and after 100,000 names are collected, the issue is considered for debate in Parliament (stock photo)
The petition currently has more than 1,300 signatures. It suggests that if the idea was introduced and 'None of the above' won the most votes in a constituency or council ward, it should be considered that the election is re-run and possibly that the initial candidates are disqualified.
According to Alex Bailey, who set up the petition, the introduction of 'None of the above' is not just a political decision; it is a strategic move that could reconnect more than 30 per cent of registered electors who do not turn out at polls, stimulate higher voter registration, and offer a valuable alternative to spoiling ballots.
'This may rekindle the interest of disillusioned voters, and deliver diverse electoral outcomes throughout the UK. By implementing 'none of the above', we can give a voice to those seeking reform and a ray of hope for the future,' he said.
As well as US regions, France, Canada and Spain offer a version of 'none of the above' on ballots. Student unions and other groups also often offer a similar device, Re-Open Nominations.
The petition can be found online here and will close on May 8.
