AROUND one in seven people are planning to vote tactically in next week’s general election, a poll has found.

But more than a quarter of those surveyed thought the practice damaged the democratic process and a third said politicians should not encourage it.

Market research company Consumer Intelligence said its survey suggested tactical voting would play a much bigger role than in it did in the last general election.

Chief Executive Ian Hughes said: “So far, this has been a very hard-fought election, and at times very confrontational with a strong element of scaremongering.

“This has naturally raised the profile of tactical voting and some politicians and political commentators have even advocated it.

“However, in doing this it could turn some voters against you because 33 per cent say politicians should not be encouraging it.”