As large-scale trials of electronic voting get underway a new survey has suggested that modernised methods of casting votes could boost turnout levels.

An Electoral Commission survey has found that 55 per cent of voters said they would be more likely to vote if electronic facilities were available.

The figure rises to three quarters for those aged between 18 and 24.

During the English local elections trials of e-voting will be held in 18 local council areas.

Some 1.5 million voters will be given the opportunity to vote via the internet, electronic kiosk, text message and, for the first time, on digital television.

While voting does not begin nationally until May 1, in some wards testing new methods of participation members of the public can cast their vote from April 24.

Increased efforts have been made to raise turnout after it fell to a post-war low of 59 per cent at the 2001 general election.

And turnout slumped to just 32 per cent at the local elections last year.

"People still care about education, taxes, policing and healthcare as much as before, but turnout at elections has been falling," said Nicole Smith, policy director at the Electoral Commission.

"That is at least in part due to a lack of convenience for voters.

"When life is very hectic a trip to the polling station can be hard to fit in. So it is important we look at all kinds of ways in which we can make it easy for people to use their vote."