About the Quick Vote system

What is Nationwide’s “Quick Vote”?

Quick Vote is a mechanism on Nationwide’s voting form that allows members to cast their vote with a single check box, based on the Board’s own recommendations. It appears prominently at the top of the voting form. Checking the box on the digital voting form means the rest of the options disappear.

See The Quick vote and 2025 Voting form

Does Quick Vote vote For or Against James Sherwin-Smith?

The Board has decided that any Member using the Quick Vote will results in a vote Against James Sherwin-Smith, and For the current Board members who have already been appointed. Because James has not been recommended by the Board, members who use Quick Vote will automatically vote against his candidacy — potentially without realising this is the effect of their choice.

See Nationwide ‘weaponising’ voting system, says board challenger (The Times) and this post regarding unauthorised edits by the Society to James’ Election Address, while denying James the ability to make his own in light of the Board’s decisions to keep the Quick vote and use it against him.

How many Nationwide members used Quick Vote in the last election?

Nationwide has disclosed that 87% of votes cast in the previous year’s election were made using the Quick Vote option. This means the vast majority of voting members are casting votes based entirely on the board’s recommendations rather than making individual choices.

Is the Quick Vote system fair to independent candidates?

This is disputed. James Sherwin-Smith and several media commentators have argued that the Quick Vote system creates a structural disadvantage for any candidate not recommended by the board. The Times, The Guardian and City AM have all published articles describing the situation as an “unfair fight.” James has called on the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to review the fairness of the election process. Nationwide maintains that the Quick Vote system is a legitimate convenience mechanism for members.

Lord Sumption, a former Supreme Court justice, has previously referred to the use of the Quick Vote in a member-governed organisation as a “North Korean approach” to democracy.

Should I use Quick Vote when voting in the Nationwide 2026 AGM?

If you wish to vote for James Sherwin-Smith as an independent member candidate, DO NOT USE THE QUICK VOTE. Instead, you should cast your vote manually, selecting James Sherwin-Smith individually on the ballot. Using Quick Vote will automatically vote against him.