Why is it not a secret ballot

[Medric]

I was always under the impression that the election was a secret vote. Someone told me otherwise the other day so I watched closely how the system worked. I have a unique ID number (eg HAB123). When the ballot paper is torn from the book it leaves behind a stub. Both ballot paper and stub have a reference number on them. My ID number is written on the stub. So any ballot paper can be traced back to the person voting. Why is this needed? Is it just another case of "big brother" watching us to find the political leanings of individuals. Maybe lists are compiled of people who vote for parties such as the BNP.

[gargamel]

Good conspiracy

these guys can't manage an NHS queueing system, any form of public database ever, and yet I am supposed to believe they are compling state of the art databases on who voted for whom.

I too noticed that my ballot paper could be traced directly to my address.

Odd - I'd be interested to hear any reason why these might be necessary

[Julian64]

Used in case there is a appeal by either side to the result. ( Once asked when I noticed this)

[beano500]

Also, I (accidentally, I might add) managed to spoil one of my papers. I'm still not sure what they did with my spoilt one, but the fact is there must be some protection that I've still voted only once.

[bigandclever]

It's currently unlawful to actually trace a ballot paper ID back to an individual. Whether that means it doesn't happen is another matter.

There are parliamentary proposals in place for unique electoral numbers, that we keep for life. Currently individual registration is based on address. Moves are afoot to 'improve' this by perhaps adding NI number and date of birth. Neither of which is particularly appropriate, if the community charge / poll tax is anything to go by...
Govt:"Would you mind awfully giving us these details?" Maninthestreet:"Would you mind ing off?"

Far easier for government to give us a unique number for life, build up a 'proper' national electoral register, and then *really* track the individual.

[robdickinson]

I turned up with my card, got my vote, no identity check whatsoever (and yes your individual vote can be traced).

[tinman0]

bigandclever said:

It's currently unlawful to actually trace a ballot paper ID back to an individual. Whether that means it doesn't happen is another matter.

after spending the 92 election counting votes i really cant see someone sifting through 30k bits of paper to find out what you voted.

it took 5 hours for a team of 50 odd to count 70-100k votes let alone look for a serial number.

[wanty1974]

There are also people talking about almost forcing people to vote; for instance, if you don't vote for ten years, you permanently lose your voting rights...

I wonder with the current postal vote problems whether we are going to get challenges to the result a la Dubya/Gore?

[hedders]

Medric said:

Maybe lists are compiled of people who vote for parties such as the BNP.

I was in a silly mood last year and my protest vote went to the BNP, this year i did not receive a voting card...coincidence?

[steveherb]

I too queried this last time around, in fact caused a bit of a stir in the polling station when others realised I was right, and our votes could theoretically be traced. I was told - by a government lacky I suspect - that it would take an act of parliament to enable votes to be traced back - so I felt much happier then!