Our work in Northern Ireland over the last year focused on delivering the May 2023 Northern Ireland local elections and preparing for a UK general election. This work was delivered against a backdrop of change and uncertainty, with the ongoing implementation of the Elections Act and the return of the Assembly in February 2024 following a two-year suspension.

During this period, we supported the Chief Electoral Officer, political parties, candidates, voters and the wider electoral community across Northern Ireland to understand and prepare for the Election Act changes and maintained up to date contingency plans for an unscheduled election.

Work done to achieve our aims

  • We supported the successful delivery of the May 2023 Northern Ireland local elections. Our research found that 97% of voters were satisfied with the process of voting.
  • We ran a voter registration campaign ahead of the local elections, taking in paid for advertising, press and partnership activity. A total of 1,380,372 people were registered to vote, up from 1,305,553 at the last local council elections in 2019.
  • Following the Northern Ireland local elections, we published a report reflecting data and evidence gathered on voting, campaigning and delivering the election. This included recommendations for improving the system further.
  • We published our assessment of the accuracy and completeness of the electoral register in Northern Ireland in September 2023.
  • In partnership with the Electoral Office, we produced a factsheet to support voters and campaigners to understand and prepare for Elections Act changes.
  • We moved to a new modern workspace in Belfast following the expiry of the lease in our previous office.
  • We developed new resources for democratic engagement with schools and other learning providers. Welcome to Your Vote Week took place at the end of January 2024, with involvement of over 20 schools, universities and youth groups across Northern Ireland.
  • Our May 2023 election report found candidates in Northern Ireland continue to raise concerns about harassment. Building on the joint guidance published to help candidates recognise and respond to intimidatory and criminal behaviour. We drafted, in partnership with the Electoral Office, a new code of conduct for campaigners. Consultation on the Code commenced in March 2024. When published, the updated Code will provide political parties with agreed standards on what is acceptable behaviour both before and during polling day.
  • Despite the absence of a functioning Assembly, the Northern Ireland Political Parties Panel continued to meet during the year. The panel provides an important link for sharing information between the Commission, the Chief Electoral Officer, and political parties.
  • Run our new look voter registration campaign ahead of the UK general election.

1.38m people registered to vote during Commission campaign.

Ongoing and future work

  • Build on the work we have already done to provide educational resources and seek to establish new partners to promote and improve political literacy across demographics less likely to be engaged in the democratic process.
  • Continue to support parties and campaigners to comply with the law through the delivery of guidance seminars and advice surgeries.
  • Support a transparent political finance system through the timely publication of political party donation and loans and annual statement accounts.
  • In partnership with the Electoral Office, publish an updated code of conduct for campaigners that will provide political parties with agreed standards on what is acceptable behaviour both before and during polling day.
  • Continue to provide support and guidance to the Electoral Office as preparations for a UK general election continue, particularly in relation to changes from the Elections Act
  • Continue to provide expert advice and recommendations for improving the current system, including making the case for reform of the canvass, the Digital Registration number and the wider electoral registration process in Northern Ireland.

Commitment to EDI

The Electoral Commission serves a diverse democracy in Northern Ireland, and we are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Our programme of partnerships aims to work with under registered groups and inform voters how to cast their vote with confidence. 

Under new legislation, Ulster-Scots and Irish language commissioners are expected to be appointed by the First and Deputy First Minister, and will be tasked with developing best practice standards and promoting the services provided by public authorities. The Commission will monitor this in relation to its own work and services.