There are a number of Government departments that are responsible for policy on the conduct of elections in the UK and have responsibility for the legislation on which our guidance is based.
Here is a short description of the work of some of these departments and other relevant organisations, with links to their websites:
Ministry of Justice
The Ministry of Justice is the central UK government department with responsibility for the legislative framework for UK Parliamentary elections, European Parliamentary elections and national referendums, including franchise, conduct and funding.
Electoral Office for Northern Ireland
The Electoral Office for Northern Ireland is the organisation that supports the Chief Electoral Officer in carrying out his statutory responsibilities, which include administering elections and compiling the register of electors in Northern Ireland.
The office of the Secretary of State for Wales
The office of the Secretary of State for Wales has responsibility for the legislation governing the conduct of the elections to the National Assembly for Wales.
The Scotland Office
The Secretary of State for Scotland is responsible for the conduct and funding of Scottish Parliamentary elections.
Communities and Local Government
Communities and Local Government is the government department that deals with national policy on local government in England, including what it does, how well it works and how it is funded. It is responsible for setting the cycle of local government elections in England and also has responsibility for the legislation that governs the review and updating of electoral arrangements within local authorities.
The Scottish Government
Responsibility for local government policy within Scotland lies with the Scottish Government. Scottish Ministers are responsible for policy on local government elections and legislation relating to their conduct.
