Residents in Liverpool will be able to vote electronically in the May local elections.

The UK Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions has picked BT and election.com to conduct an e-voting trial in two electoral wards enabling more than 21,000 people to take part.

Those living in the Liverpool wards of Church and Everton will have the option to vote from 26 April until the close of polling on 2 May using the internet, SMS or telephone. They can still vote in person on 2 May if they wish.

"While many people still like to vote by marking their cross with the traditional stubby pencil in a polling booth, there are new ways in which people can have their say," explained Liverpool City Council leader Mike Storey.

"They can choose how they do it and when. It is more convenient for them."

Stuart Hill, director of BT Stepchange, said: "We will be looking closely at practical applications that are supported by robust and secure systems.

"We recognise that many people are not fully comfortable with the concept of voting by telephone or the internet.

"This pilot will test a mix of technologies and services that will make voting accessible and easy for everyone in the UK."