A COUNCIL is hoping to encourage more voters to turn out for elections.

Darlington Borough Council has been looking at ways to improve the turnout at general, European parliamentary, and local government elections.

The next borough elections - held every four years - will be held in 2003.

A report into how voting numbers can be improved in Darlington is to be considered by the council's cabinet committee today.

Paul Wildsmith, director for corporate services, said: "We do need to raise awareness and encourage more interest in the democratic process as an ongoing exercise, in relation to all elections.

"A number of initiatives are either ongoing, or are likely to come into being."

The council will review the location of polling stations around the town, to see if they are the most accessible for all voters, to make sure they are adequate and convenient.

It also plans to increase the number of wheelchair accessible polling places.

To encourage more young people to vote in elections, the council will hold roadshows and presentations at schools and colleges, and stage mock elections.

It also plans to hold a debating competition on citizenship, and improve the involvement of hard-to-reach groups of people in the electorate.

There are also proposals to send birthday cards to all those turning 18, to remind them of their right to vote.

The council will also redesign the poll card, provide additional information - regarding voting arrangements - and organise an awareness campaign.

There will be an article on the council's website about how to register to vote, and how to vote.

As research has shown that postal voting can have a significant effect on the numbers of people voting, the council also proposes to grant postal voting on demand if a borough council by-election arises, prior to the full elections in 2003, as a pilot scheme.

Members of the cabinet committee will consider the report today, before it goes before the ratification committee next Tuesday for a final decision