Legislation.
9.
- 6 -
In this connection the nomination of members of the
Council by representative bodies including the Trade Unions
should prove of great value as offering the means of assuring
representation for those of the working classes who do not
possess the residential or other qualifications which would
entitle them to registration as electors.
As there is no existing electoral law, it will be
necessary to enact the whole body of legislation covering the
registration of voters, the conduct of elections (particularly
as to corrupt and illegal practices), petitions, criminal
offences (personation, &c.)
In general it would be desirable for this to follow the
lines of the legislation covering local government elections
in England, but in the case of the registration of voters
I think that the onus of securing registration will have to
be imposed on those who desire to exercise the franchise.
To conduct the house to house inquiry which is the basis
of the electors' lists in England would involve the engagement
of a considerable staff.
Moreover the registration officer will be much concerned
with investigating claims as to nationality, length of
residence and other qualifications which would not be
susceptible of ready verification in the course of house to
house visits.
It would be better that those desiring to exercise the
franchise should attend at a registration office where they
can be interviewed by a responsible officer, produce evidence
of their qualifications and sign such declarations as to
residence &c. as may be required.
It is by no means impossible that irresponsible persons
might seek to embarrass the Government by procuring an
excessive number of nominations and it has been suggested
that a deposit might be required as in the case of Parliamentary
elections in the United Kingdom.
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