Convenience Voting: the End of Election Day?

Abstract

When and where we vote is a central element of the ritual of electoral democracy. In a trend across western democracies, there has been a significant shift towards ‘convenience’ voting. This article explores the history, rationale and law around postal and pre-poll voting (the dominant forms of convenience voting) and cautions against this trend deconstructing the communal experience of election day.

Note: The article is adapted from a chapter in Graeme Orr, 'Ritual and Rhythm in Electoral Systems' (forthcoming, Ashgate, 2015)

Keywords: Election law, Postal Voting, Pre-poll Voting, Political Ritual