The turnout at the recent elections was yet again disappointing. However, it is equally disappointing to see people jumping to solutions without analysing the problem.

For example, there has been a call for online voting. The argument is those who are too lazy or disorganised to post a letter will not be too lazy or disorganised to read the brochure with candidate information, attend meetings and read candidates' webpages before making an informed choice on the election voting site.

Somehow I don't think that is likely.

I think there may be other reasons for the low turnout.

Too many choices. To vote for a Mayor, ward councillor, at large councillor, regional councillor and DHB member a voter had to read 64 different profiles.

Too remote from the reason for voting. With ever larger local authority boundaries voters may not be engaged with the 'issues of the day”. For example, many in Papamoa couldn't care less about Turret Rd and the CBD. The DHB is spread from Waihi Beach to East Cape, making it very difficult for candidates to be known widely.

Lack of solemnity. Having one day where the whole country stops and finds time to vote at a booth ensures the conversation of the day is ‘Have you voted yet?' With postal voting that conversation is often too late to let a person act if they have forgotten.

So there are some reasons for a low turnout for which online voting will not make a difference.

I say bring back in-person voting!

R Scott, Tauranga City.