SWINDON Council was one of 30 across England to trial pioneering new ways of voting this year.
People were able to cast their votes by internet, telephone or post as well as at the polling station.
The election count at the Oasis Leisure Centre was swarming with electoral observers from across the globe, including researchers from America, Serbia, Canada, Sweden.
Representatives of London Mayor Ken Livingstone were also at the count to see how the voting experiment went.
And with more than a quarter of those who voted choosing the alternative options, returning officer Paul Doherty declared the experiment a success.
Mr Doherty, the council's chief executive, said: "I think a four per cent increase in the local election turnout at a time when nationally there was widespread concern that the turnout would go down is a positive conclusion for us.
"People were delighted to have the opportunity to vote at home and by other means. It is a benefit not just for the turnout but for convenience.
"We will need time to see exactly how successful it has been and all eyes will be upon us."
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