19 Dec 2012
Jenny Watson, Chair of the Electoral Commission, said:
“We have called for the introduction of Individual Electoral Registration since 2003 to improve the security of electoral registers and make individuals responsible for their own vote. We are pleased that the Government is committed to making this happen.
“It is essential that the Electoral Registration and Administration Bill (ERA) makes progress early in the New Year. As we have warned previously, this is so that preparations can take place ahead of the proposed change in summer 2014. Regrettably Government business announced today for early January does not include the ERA Bill.
“Legislation is needed to allow proper planning for the change, including testing the IT system across Great Britain from April 2013.
“It is for Parliament to decide the timing of legislation. But without urgent progress it will not be possible for IER to be delivered to the Government’s current timetable. To make sure the change to IER can be introduced before the 2015 UK General Election, the Government needs to be clear how it intends to have this legislation in place by the end of January.”
Ends
For further information contact:
Karim Aziz in the Electoral Commission press office on 020 7271 0704 or kaziz@electoralcommission.org.uk
Out of office hours 07789 920 414
Notes to editor
- The Electoral Commission is an independent body set up by the UK Parliament. Our aim is integrity and public confidence in the UK’s democratic process. We regulate party and election finance and set standards for well-run elections and are responsible for the conduct and regulations of referendums held under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act (2000).
- For more information on Individual Electoral Registration visit:
http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voter-registration/individual-electoral-registration
