The primary objective of current registration and voting arrangements is to provide for an efficient, modern and secure electoral system. Monitoring and reviewing, as necessary, the legal provisions and the practical arrangements for voter registration and voting are central to this goal and a range of measures introduced in recent years have improved the system. Registration arrangements have been streamlined; some supplement application deadlines have been extended; provision has been made for the use of photographs; and party emblems on all ballot papers and large print ballot papers will now be displayed in polling stations.
Electronic voting and counting has also been successfully introduced and will be used countrywide at the European and local elections in 2004. The Electoral (Amendment) Act 2002 strengthened the provisions for access to the register supplement and the range of acceptable identification documents which can be requested by a presiding officer at a polling station have been more closely defined. Electoral arrangements will continue to be monitored with a view to possible improvements, while remaining conscious of the need to maintain a proper balance between accessibility to the system and its security and integrity.
