VOTERS in Swindon might soon find themselves with the choice of casting their ballot by e-mail.

The town is to take part in an e-voting pilot scheme.

It is hoped that it will encourage more people to place their vote the turn out for both Swindon constit-uencies in the General Election was just over 60 per cent.

The Government invited local authorities nationwide to apply to take part in such schemes.

Electors across Swindon are set to be given the choice of voting by computer, with extra costs likely to be paid by the Government.

The council's ratification committee agreed this week that the borough should take part, although political opinion on the issue was divided.

Deputy council leader Nick Martin (Con, Shaw and Nine Elms) against.

He explained: "At the moment, we have an old and dull system which has a high degree of reliability and can be trusted.

"I wouldn't like to see our elections trip up.

"I would like some other council or councils to try these schemes out before we do.

"What would happen, for example, if by some quirk of fate Park North appeared to vote Conservative?

"Would you demand a recount?"

Coun Martin also pointed that the American presidential race had been plunged into confusion and controversy by alternative polling methods.

Former council leader Sue Bates (Lab, Gorse Hill and Pinehurst), is in favour of innovating, and said: "This is an enhancement to local democracy, and I cannot see how anyone could vote against it."

LibDem Leader Mike Evemy (Eastcott) was also in favour, saying: "I had concern about this before because it seemed a good idea, but one which could cost us a lot of money."

But he added that he was reassured by the fact that a report by council officers indicated a broadening of opportunities for the electorate.

The next elections to be held in Swindon will be for several seats on the council, and will take place in the Spring.

Swindon has previously taken part in a postal voting pilot scheme, which saw the numbers of votes cast increase by around 50 per cent.