Petition Spoilt ballots should always be counted in all elections

Low voter turn out is often a problem in local elections. This can clearly be seen in the recent police and crime commisioner polls. If a politician wins the majority of votes, he can claim a mandate to represent all the people, even if he wins only 60% of a 15% voter turn out. This means that every vote cast is interpreted as a vote supporting the political system. There is no means to register dissent.

I request parliment enact a law that requires spoilt ballots be counted and published in every election.

The following points may be relevant for parliment to consider:
- A spoilt ballot tick box should be provided on every ballot paper, so the voters intention is clear.
- Majority candidates who fail to beat the number of spoilt ballots should be required to resign.
- When reporting election results, spoilt ballots should always be reported alongside voter turn out figures.
- Voter turn out figures and winning margin figures should include spoilt ballots.