Actually this isn't just about boats, but I'll illustrate it
with
that. This is, however, a serious idea for once.
Currently in Britain if you have no fixed address, you can
make a declaration of local connection in order to vote
in
an election. However, if you're either in the merchant
navy or you live on a boat, that may be more difficult
than
if you're sectioned, on remand or sleeping rough because
in
fact you may not be living in a particular constituency for
long enough. I think, and this is from people I know who
live on boats, the ability to vote is compromised in such
a
situation (although maybe they just don't understand the
paperwork).
My solution to this is to create at least one new
constituency consisting of the Waterways. This would
enable people to vote postally in such a situation. It
would
also mean that issues related to boating such as mooring
fees, maintenance of canals and the question of public or
private ownership of waterways, and loads of other
things I
have no idea about because I don't live on a boat, would
be
more focussed upon by politicians.
The only way I can think of right now of doing this is to
have an official visit to confirm that the person is in fact
living on a boat, or perhaps have a professional person
vouch for them.
Maybe it's not a real problem, I don't know, but it seems
to
be to the people involved whom I know.
Thanks to [po] and [Ian] for the title.