Northern Ireland Assembly Parties Panel: 27 April 2021

CH welcomed attendees to the meeting and noted attendance.

The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed.

CH provided an update on recent Commissioner appointments. He explained that John Pullinger has been appointed Chair of the Commission, and gave an overview of John’s previous experience.

CH also noted Alex Attwood has been appointed Smaller Parties Commissioner, but that we are still awaiting a decision from Speaker’s Committee on the Northern Ireland Commissioner role.

There were no issues raised.

VMcV gave an overview the legislative background to the postponement of the 2020 canvass, explaining that the Coronavirus Act 2020 had moved the date for the canvass to 2021, which would begin on 1 July and run until the new register is published on 1 December. 

She explained that the purpose of the canvass was to ensure everybody re-registers, but that there would be no impediment to people registering after the new register is published. A number of special category electors will not be included in the canvass, such as service or anonymous electors, who register in different ways. The administrative cut-off, to appear on the new register published in December, is 15 November. 

VMcV explained that, given that 80-90% of applications to register are now made online, the process of data matching would be much more effective than in previous predominantly paper-based exercises. VMcV explained how the process of data-matching will work, with applications going through the Cabinet Office registration portal and DWP data-matching. The EONI then also checks addresses against a range of data sets, such as Housing Executive data. If there is no match, EONI may ask for evidence, which could be from a list of accepted evidence sources.

GF asked whether the EONI would check applications against data from the private rental sector or housing associations. VMcV said that EONI will try to gather as much data as possible, but while it could agree a data sharing agreement with the Housing Executive, this was harder to achieve with the private rental sector. She said conversations could be had with housing associations about data sharing, but that this would not be possible in advance of this canvass exercise. 

RMcL asked whether housing benefit data would be a better source of data, as it could cover the private rental sector as well as housing associations. He also asked how many data sources an application needs to be matched against. VMcV said there was only so much data the EONI could gather, but that they wouldn’t be looking for matches across all sources. 

VMcV explained that if someone cannot provide evidence for their application, they could seek a declaration from someone such as a councillor or GP. If they cannot get a declaration, the EONI will consider these on a case-by-case basis.

VMcV said that, while EONI expect most people to register online, paper forms could be downloaded or requested. She asked parties to encourage people to register online, as this avoids information being missed from applications. EONI will also be sending out 4 key flyers to properties – one in June, one in July when the canvass begins, and reminders in August and September. 

In addition, VMcV explained the areas of additional support which the EONI will provide during the canvass. Canvassers have been recruited for every ward, and can be given up to date data every day. Using 2013 canvass data, areas with low levels of registration have been identified so static canvass sites can be set up in places such as leisure centres, and councils have also agreed to set up kiosks for people to access more easily if they cannot register online. Prepopulated forms will also be sent to over-75s, and those in the rented sector. 

VMcV noted the August introduction of the high street voucher/pre-paid card scheme, which EONI believes will be an incentive for people to register to vote as the electoral register will be used as a source to prevent fraud in applications. 

VMcV said that EONI was working with a range of organisations, including the CCEA, to launch a programme aimed at attainers, while those who are retained as ‘rollovers’ will be contacted to verify their details. RMcL asked whether information could be provided to polling station staff to flag those electors who had been rolled over that they need to register. VMcV said the EONI was looking at what could be done before the May 2022 elections, and will use any opportunity to get people registered. She said she was happy to meet the parties to discuss further. 

DM provided an overview and examples of how registration data will be displayed through interactive maps from the end of July, to be updated on a weekly basis.

MMcM gave an overview of the Commission’s planned media and public awareness work, which will fit around the key dates for the canvass and EONI flyer deliveries. This includes adverts on TV, radio, out of home locations such as retail and public transport, press and digital, and social media. CH said data from the canvass would be used to target these adverts if necessary. 

GF raised concerns that absent voting applications may be made difficult by people not having access to their Digital Registration Numbers, and concerns about EONI’s capacity to deal with any increased volume of enquiries as a result. VMcV noted these concerns, but explained that legislation required DRNs and any changes to the absent voting process would need to effected through legislation. She said the EONI would consider how to encourage people to remember and retain access to their DRN in its public awareness campaigns. She said she did not agree with concerns about EONI’s capacity, and that digital advances had made its work more efficient. 

CH noted the Commission had raised similar concerns about DRNs and absent voting during consideration of the legislation. He confirmed that the Commission will consider how to raise awareness of the need for the DRN as part of the public awareness campaign for the next election.

RMcL asked whether the static canvass sites would include the provision of elector ID, which could be an incentive to younger people. VMcV said this would not be the case at present, as it could cause queueing, but that EONI would monitor how the sites are being used. She explained she didn’t expect them to deal with huge amounts of young people, as they would be more likely to register online. 
 

MMcM provided an overview of the Commission’s recent publication of research on political transparency in Northern Ireland. She explained the research’s key findings, including that it highlighted the need for independent sources of information on political finances.  

RMcD explained the background to future legislative changes on imprint requirements. The UK Government plans to introduce legislation to extend the requirements to cover all printed party and non-party campaigner material on 18 May, with a view to it coming into force on 22 July. The Commission will provide updated guidance on this in due course. SL asked if this would include online material; RMcD explained changes to online imprint requirements are expected in the Electoral Integrity Bill. 

RMcD reminded the parties that the following financial returns were due by 30 April 2021:

• Quarter 1 donation and loan reports, covering the period 1 January 2021 – 31 March 2021
• Statements of accounts for parties with income and expenditure below £250,000.
• Accounting units with income or expenditure between £25,000 and £250,000 were also required to submit accounts by 30 April 2021.

MMcM gave an update on the Commission’s work preparing for elections in Britain, in the context of the ongoing public health situation. She explained the Commission’s objectives for safe elections, and research on public attitudes to voting in the context of Covid-19. CH said the Commission would keep the APP updated on the reporting on those elections. 

The next meeting was scheduled for 8 June.