Grimsby Telegraph 19th July 2003
Grimsby’s web election project a winner
A GRIMSBY project that put last May’s local election on the Internet was such a success it is likely to be follwed up in other parts of the country.
Those with access to the worldwide web were able to follow the unfolding of the election in North East Lincolnshire from their computers – in audio as well as on the screen.
The fascinating and often spellbinding project was the brainchild of Grimsby-based Richard Bellamy, who is the Executive Secretary of ElectionsUK.
It is an independent organisation dedicated to encouraging greater democratic activity across all age groups, including children.
A Seminar was held at Europarc in Grimsby to show how it worked. It was attended by delegates from local authorities in Barnsley, Bradford, Calderdale, Doncaster, Rotherham,York, Scarborough and beyond.
All went away so impressed that they are likely to push for a similar model rolled out in their respective patches.
Guest speakers were Sam Younger, Chairman of The Electoral Commission, which helped fund the project and Lord Norton, Professor of Government at the University of Hull.
They were joined by Peter Lacey, North East Lincolnshire Council’s Deputy Director of Education; the Chief Executive of Grimsby’s Channel 7, John Trevitt; Counc Muriel Barker and Coun Martin Vickers.
ElectionsUK is now working on similar projects relating to other election and referendum issues, including the great European debate.
It is particularly keen to engage colleges and schools in its activities.
For more information about the project, log onto www.ElectionsUK.org