The launch of the online facility is one of a range of initiatives designed to encourage as many members as possible to use their vote and any member who votes online will also be automatically entered into a free prize draw to win a pair of football tickets to an England, Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales home international.

For the second consecutive year, Nationwide plans to donate 10p for every vote cast in its AGM to disabled athletes via Disability Sport Events (DSE). The Society is targeting a minimum of 1 million members to use their vote, which would generate £100,000 for DSE, a huge boost for the UK's disabled sports people.

Graham Beale, chief executive of Nationwide Building Society, said: "Being able to vote online will make it easier for our members to have a say in how their building society is run. We encourage members to use their vote in a way that suits them best, whether that is by post or at their local branch. But now, for the first time, members can also vote online from the comfort of their own homes."

Online voting is quick and easy, all members need to log on are the security codes printed on the Chairman's letter, found in their voting pack. Members will not be asked for any of their personal data in order to vote online.