North east launch for digital democracy

The world’s first online democratic forum has been launched in the north east and is now attracting nationwide participation, writes Fiona Clarke.

The idea behind this unique website is that anyone can enter their personal priorities, comment and vote on other people’s proposals, and get a response from elected representatives to the most popular ideas. Several MPs and MEPs have already signed up to answer and take up proposals.

“I think that Digital Democracy could genuinely transform the way people are able to influence the local decisions that affect their lives” said Jonathan Elmer, managing director of social company, Democratise.

“Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust is interested in new ways to renew our democracy and to encourage political participation” said Stephen Pittam, secretary of the sponsoring body.

Anyone can take part by registering on www.digitaldemocracy.org.uk.  Your postcode is used to identify the constituency you live in so that your MP can be aware of your concerns, but otherwise the site is anonymous.

In the first fortnight the most popular proposals concerned traffic congestion (local), investment and jobs for the north east (regional), and greater powers for family courts to ensure that fathers have contact with their children (national). These all received positive responses from the MP and MEP.