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FactsheetsWe have produced a series of factsheets providing concise information on a range of aspects of elections and democratic systems, downloadable as PDFs and reviewed quarterly. Each factsheet includes:
Absent voting in Great BritainMost people vote at elections by going to a polling station. However it is possible instead to cast an 'absent' vote, that is, the voter does not have to be physically present at a polling station to vote. There are two ways to do this, by post or by appointing someone else (a proxy) to vote on your behalf. This factsheet looks at how absent voting takes place and recent changes to the law.
Access to voting for disabled peopleDisability organisations and others have long argued that improvements are needed to the process of voting to enable people with disabilities to exercise their right to vote without facing undue difficulties. Access to polling booths has been a particular issue. This factsheet examines recent changes in legislation and their impact at the 2001 general election.
By-electionsUK Parliamentary by-elections occur when a seat becomes vacant during a Parliament. The seat may be vacant because an MP has chosen to stand down, has been made a Lord, or has died. The process for actually calling the by-election is quite complex. This factsheet attempts to explain how and why a by-election is called and gives some information on how much the candidates can spend. Further information is available on the Candidates at a UK Parliament election factsheet (below) and in the Electoral Commission's guidance documents. Ballot secrecyThe Act of Parliament introducing the principle of the 'secret ballot' was passed in 1872. The principle of the secret ballot still applies. This factsheet looks at what the secret ballot means in practice, and explains the measures currently in place to balance the need for secrecy and to control fraud. Campaign expenditureThis factsheet looks at the rules governing national campaign expenditure by political parties. It explains the definition of campaign expenditure and the limits on the amount of expenditure that can be incurred. Spending by individual candidates is a different matter and is limited in accordance with a formula set out in section 76 of the Representation of the People Act 1983 updated from time to time by Statutory Order. Candidates at a UK Parliamentary electionAt general election time there is interest and sometimes confusion about issues such as who can stand for election, how candidates are nominated, whether a deposit is necessary and what limits there are on campaign spending. This factsheet addresses the most frequently asked questions about standing as a candidate in a general election. Candidates at elections to the National Assembly for WalesThis factsheet answers some of the most frequently asked questions about standing as a candidate at the National Assembly for Wales elections, such as: who can stand for election; how candidates are nominated; and what limits there are on election spending.
Candidates at elections to the Northern Ireland AssemblyThis factsheet answers some of the most frequently asked questions about standing as a candidate for elections to the Northern Ireland Assembly. Candidates at elections to the Scottish ParliamentThis factsheet answers some of the most frequently asked questions about standing as a candidate at the elections to the Scottish Parliament, such as: who can stand for election; how candidates are nominated; and what limits there are on election spending. Candidates at local elections in EnglandLocal elections are due to be held in May 2005 for all county councils in England. Some unitary authorities are also holding elections, including the Isle of Wight and Bristol City Council. This factsheet provides basic information about standing as a candidate in a local election in England. Candidates' election expenditureThis factsheet covers the most frequently asked questions about candidates election expenditure. For more detailed guidance, please refer to Election expenditure and donations - guidance for candidates and election agents. Compulsory votingCompulsory voting is not part of UK electoral law, nor has it ever been. Registration is, however, effectively compulsory as it is an offence not to be registered. Debates about the merits of introducing compulsory voting in the UK arise periodically, especially - as in recent years - when turnout at elections is falling. Directly elected mayorsThis factsheet describes the arrangements for holding statutory referendums to determine whether directly elected mayors should be introduced in England. It gives the results of referendums held to date, and plans for the first elections. It also provides a summary of our view on the referendums conducted during 2001, and our recommendations for good practice and changes in the law. Donations and regulated transactions (loans)New rules, most of which came into effect on 16 February 2001, mean that registered political parties and others are now subject to controls on the acceptance of donations and have to register large donations with the Commission. The Electoral Administration Act 2006 extended these controls to loans and other 'regulated transactions'. This factsheet describes the regulations relating to donations and loans made to political parties, other organisations and individuals. Donations to candidatesThis factsheet describes the rules governing donations to candidates for elections. The Representation of the People Act RPA) 1983, as amended by the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act (PPERA) 2000 is the legislation that regulates donations to candidates. The Electoral Administration Act 2006The following factsheets summarise the changes to electoral law stemming from the Electoral Administration Act 2006 and related secondary legislation. Download the factsheet on The Electoral Administration Act in EnglandDownload the factsheet on the Electoral Administration Act in Scotland.Download the factsheet on Electoral Administration Act in Wales.Download the factsheet on Electoral Administration Act in Wales (Welsh)Electoral registration in Great BritainTo vote in an election in the United Kingdom it is necessary to be included on an electoral register. This factsheet examines the current registration process including recent changes and the prospects for further changes. Electoral registration in Northern IrelandTo vote in an election in the United Kingdom it is necessary to be included on an electoral register. This factsheet examines the key features of the current registration process in Northern Ireland including recent changes. European Parliamentary electionsAn election is held every five years to choose the 732 members of the European Parliament (known as MEPs) from the 25 countries that make up the European Union (EU - there will be 27 Countries voting at the 2009 elections). 78 MEPs are elected to represent the United Kingdom. MEPs have an important say in a wide range of laws affecting people who live in EU countries. They also deal with the EU budget that supports many projects in the UK and they have an important role in overseeing how EU funds are spent. New ways to vote: e-votingThe way we vote has changed little for over a century - ballot papers and pencils are still the main tools we use. However, the way we live our lives is changing rapidly, and some have argued that the process of voting should be brought up to date to better reflect 21st century lifestyles and technologies. Recent pilot schemes have trialled innovative voting procedures which may point the way towards the future of elections in the UK. However, other research has identified barriers which will need to be overcome before new voting procedures might be fully introduced. The National Assembly for WalesThe result of a referendum held in Wales on 18 September 1997 was a vote in favour of devolved government. The National Assembly for Wales was established under the Government of Wales Act 1998. The National Assembly develops and implements policies in Wales. It was responsible for allocating a budget of over £8 billion within Wales in 1999-2000. The National Assembly also has powers to make subordinate legislation, but primary legislation remain the responsibility of Parliament in Westminster.
The Northern Ireland AssemblyThe Northern Ireland Assembly is one of the new political institutions established following the signing of The Good Friday Agreement on 10 April 1998. The Assembly has the power to legislate on devolved matters and is responsible for ensuring that Northern Ireland is properly governed. Overseas electorsThis factsheet examines registration for overseas electors. Since 1985, British citizens who are living outside the UK have been entitled to be registered as electors. Once registered as an overseas elector, you are entitled to vote in UK Parliamentary and European Parliament elections. Party political broadcastsWhy are party political broadcasts provided to parties during election campaigns? Who determines how the allocations are made, and what criteria are used to decide which parties are given broadcasts? Which broadcasters are required to carry the broadcasts? This factsheet examines these and similar questions. Pilot schemesSince 2000, the Government has encouraged local authorities in England to undertake pilot schemes that test new methods of voting and voting arrangements at local elections which, if successful, might then be adopted more widely. This factsheet examines the history of these pilot schemes and the latest developments. ReferendumsThis factsheet sets out the background and arrangements that would apply to any referendum held on a UK-wide, national or regional basis. Statutory referendums held by local authorities to determine whether to move to a system of council executive involving a directly elected mayor are covered in a separate factsheet. The Scottish ParliamentThe referendum held in Scotland on 11 September 1997 produced a clear majority for the creation of a Scottish Parliament with tax varying powers. The Scotland Act 1998 established the Scottish Parliament with devolved powers within the United Kingdom. While the UK Parliament retains power to legislate on any matter, the convention of devolution is that it will not normally legislate on devolved matters without the consent of the Scottish Parliament. The Single Transferable Vote in Northern IrelandThe Single Transferable Vote is a form of Proportional Representation that allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference. This factsheet looks at how the Single Transferable Vote works in Northern Ireland. Third partiesThis factsheet looks at the rules regarding political activity by organisations and individuals other than registered political parties. It considers in particular how much they can legally spend, what activity is regulated and the reporting requirements for expenditure incurred. TurnoutOne of The Electoral Commission's key aims is to 'foster public confidence and participation in the democratic process with the United Kingdom'. Recent turnouts at elections in the UK have been a cause of concern for the Commission, politicians and other electoral stakeholders. This factsheet explains ways of calculating and explaining turnout. Who can vote?Who is entitled to vote at UK Parliamentary elections? Does it follow that if you pay taxes you can vote and if you don't you can't? What about citizens of other countries, for example Commonwealth, Irish, European Union (EU)? Is anyone disqualified? This factsheet addresses these and other frequently asked questions.
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