Modernisation  In modern, developed countries, many people spend both work and leisure time on the internet or using electronic devices [1] [2] [3] [4] . Our traditional voting systems, with polling stations and paper slips, is out of line with how many of the population now live their lives. When we see an overwhelming number of people – especially young people [5] – voting for reality television programmes such as The X Factor [6] , it demonstrates a valuable method of engagement which the political system is missing out on. This had led to sources such as the BBC darkly questioning ‘Is Big Brother really more popular than election?’ [7] , indicating that while the overall number of votes in the 2005 general election in the UK outweighed those cast for Big Brother and Fame Academy, the proportion of votes by young voters (18-34) could be understood to show more engagement with these television shows than with the general election [8] . In any case, it is clear that we should bring our voting systems up to date in order to engage young people and the wider population.  [1] In the UK:  , accessed 24/08/11  [2] In Europe:  , accessed 24/08/11  [3] In Asia:  , accessed 24/08/11  [4] In the USA:  , accessed 24/08/11  [5]  , accessed 24/08/11  [6]  , accessed 24/08/11  [7]  , accessed 24/08/11  [8]  , accessed 24/08/11