Sir, – I think the Electoral Commission should look at two issues regarding the current layout of ballot papers: (a) the listing of candidates by name in alphabetical order and (b) the inclusion of party logos alongside the names of candidates who belong to political parties (in addition to the name of the political party or “non-party” which appear in bold, large font as a descriptor for each candidate).
With long lists of candidates on ballot papers, it seems disadvantageous in pure marketing terms to have one’s name towards the bottom of the list and for Independent candidates not to have a colourful logo next to their names – particularly in the context of non-first preference votes.
Randomisation of name order and exclusion of party logos from ballot papers may encourage a more careful scrutiny of ballot paper names and be a fairer way of presenting candidates to the voter. – Yours, etc,
CHRIS FITZPATRICK,
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Dublin 6.
Sir, – With such a disappointing turnout once again, should we consider making it mandatory for all eligible citizens to vote in a general election, or have a substantial fine imposed automatically for those without a medical excuse? – Yours, etc,
LIAM GEARY,
Tralee,
Co Kerry.
Sir, – Regarding the Green Party, when you sup with Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, there is always a bill. – Yours, etc,
CATHERINE DUNNE,
Kildare.
Sir, – Now that the election is over, we are being subjected to the protracted process of the manual count. While I can understand some scepticism towards electronic voting, surely we can have electronic counting, where ballots are scanned, or even manually entered into an electronic system to give us immediate results. To those of us not involved in the physical process, or the gratuitous reporting of it, the archaic tally represents a ridiculous waste of time and money, delaying the election result for no reason whatsoever. Time to favour expediency. – Is mise,
SEAN MOONEY,
Dublin 5.
Sir, – Could you please discontinue the ridiculous discourse about the weather being a factor in low turnouts for modern elections? My own ass and cart are completely weather-proofed, for all conditions, to enable me to do my democratic duty safely. – Yours, etc,
IVAN RUSK,
Quin,
Co Clare.
