September 2002
Research and Teaching

Getting the vote out in Calderdale

Roberto Espindola, of European Studies, is helping Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council to evaluate its electoral procedures in order to increase voter participation.

Roberto is conducting a Best Value Review of Elections and Democratic Engagement, as well as studying ways to encourage young people to vote. Calderdale has a population of 193,732, of which 146,790 are registered voters. Along with most local authorities the council is facing a serious problem of voter apathy, shown by abstention figures of 41 per cent in the 2001 parliamentary election and of 65 per cent in this year's poll to renew the council itself.

Left to right: Roberto Espindola, with Principal Administrative Officer David Ellis, and Chief Law and Administration Officer Gerard Norrie at Halifax Town Hall.

Roberto said: "This apathy is a nationwide phenomenon, more pronounced amongst young voters and especially amongst first-time voters, that has prompted the government and local authorities to emphasize citizenship training at schools, as well as to consider the potential advantages of alternative electoral arrangements."

The council decided in 2001 to conduct a review of its electoral services, led by the Chief Law and Administration Officer, Gerard Norrie, and by Principal Administrative Officer David Ellis, in fulfilment of the duty the government has placed upon local authorities, duty to demonstrate best value in the delivery of services.

As part of this process, Roberto was asked to provide an external presence within the review team because of his experience as a senior political scientist and in the light of his research on democratisation and electoral arrangements. Since then, he has also conducted focus group research amongst young voters and council personnel.

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