Sylvia Said:

(UK Elections) Is it now time to have a 'none of the above' option on the ballot paper?

We Answered:

Well really this would only be a fully viable option if voting was made a 'civic duty' i.e. either you vote or you are fined. As the normal way to show dissatisfaction is to not register your vote.

However, I agree that this if it were an option is the one I would go for at the moment as the three main parties are not worth voting for. Until then I feel that voting for a credible independent candidate may be the only option.

As for not voting or spoiling my ballot, too many people have died to protect our right to vote for us not to use it.

Roberto Said:

European elections 2009 - UK?

We Answered:

Vote Tory. Vote Labour for more dispair. Other option is BNP. I don't know much about them but it appears that they speak English.

Natalie Said:

Which year did UK citizens get the right to keep their votes private?

We Answered:

William Gladstone's Liberal government introduced voting by secret ballot five years after the Second Reform Act had substantially increased the size of the electorate. This realised one of the key points of the reforming 'Chartist' petition of 1838. Voting in secret was not uncontroversial.
The proposal was fiercely contested by the House of Lords, which considered it 'cowardly' and 'unmanly'.
It was first employed at a by-election in Pontefract in August of the same year.
Much to the chagrin of the employers, who used to watch over the proletariat as they cast there votes, to ensure they voted for the candidate the bosses wanted in power.

Shelly Said:

What do i have to do to be able to vote?

We Answered:

Call our consulate or embassy there. They should be able to tell you. You will probably need to register in the last state you lived in, but I am not sure of that. If you have a "permanent address" at the home of your parents or another relative, that will probably be helpful.