CO537-1651 — Page 155

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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