Smartphone voting in general elections – would turnout increase?

By Neil Barraclough

An overwhelming majority of potential British voters believe the introduction of smartphone/tablet voting at general elections would increase turnout, our research has found.

We commissioned polling experts YouGov to produce the first extensive survey about attitudes towards smartphone/tablet voting among British voters.

And the results provide a fascinating glimpse into how most believe the democratic process could be invigorated by the introduction of new technology.

More than 6 in 10 of those questioned (63%) thought smartphone/tablet voting would lead to an increase in turnout. That figure was even higher in northern England, where 69% thought there would be a boost in the numbers of those voting.

And almost three in four potential voters aged 25-39 (73%) believed it would lift participation.

Even among the two groups where fewest people thought there would be an increase in turnout, there was still a belief among 52% of those over 60 years old and 55% of those planning to vote UKIP in the 2015 general election that more people would vote if smartphone voting was introduced.

The Data

As well as their views on whether  smartphone/tablet voting would increase turnout, we asked  1,566 people in the UK three further  questions on the subject. The results will be covered in detail on the Tecmark blog each day this week. Read our general findings here.

1. Would you support or oppose the introduction of smartphone/tablet voting in general elections?
2. Would you trust the result of an election more or less if people had been able to vote using a smartphone or tablet, or trust the same amount?
3. Which of the following, if any, would be your biggest concern over the potential introduction of smartphone/tablet voting?

You can  download a full copy of the raw data by clicking here.

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1,566 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 30th – 31st March 2015. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).