Some 66 per cent of people who did not vote in the last general election would be more likely to vote next time if online voting was available.

This is the conclusion of a survey of 2,136 British adults conducted by YouGov for Cisco Systems that suggests e-voting could have a dramatic effect on UK democracy.

But Angela Salt, director of communication at the Electoral Commission says  she does not believe that e-voting would, on its own, solve the problem of lower voter turnout.

‘[However] we do know that voters want a choice of convenient, secure ways to vote. Provided that levels of security and confidence in those methods can be ensured, we are committed to working towards a 21st century democracy where electors choose the method, day and time to vote,’ she said.

The research breaks voters down by age, with 74 per cent over the age of 50 more likely to have voted, contrasting with 63 per cent in the 30 to 50 bracket and 65 per cent in the 18 to 29 range.

Simon Culmer, Cisco UK’s head of public sector operations says that the results of the report reflects a desire in the community for new ways of interacting with the government, and the political process.

‘It is highly encouraging to see such a high level of support for online voting amongst British citizens reflected in this research, and an associated desire to connect with the political process. It is particularly encouraging to see the older demographic viewing online voting as way to increase their involvement in our democratic process,’ he said.