Letter to PACAC Chair on post-poll report (2024)

Dear Simon Hoare

Copy of report on the 2024 UK Parliamentary general election

Overall, we found that the election was well run, the vast majority of voters were able to take part, and most people continue to be confident that elections are well-run. This was only possible in great part thanks to the effort of electoral administrators who worked tirelessly to deliver these polls. But we also found that parts of the electoral system are not working well, and significant improvements are needed to support participation and trust in future elections. 

Voting at the election

Most people who wished to vote at the general election were able to do so with confidence using their preferred method. Our September report on the voter ID requirement highlighted that almost everyone who attended a polling station was able to vote, but that improvements are needed to make it easier for those who do not have photo ID to vote. We have made a series of recommendations, including expanding the list of ID accepted at polling stations, reviewing the Voter Authority Certificate, and considering the introduction of attestation, or ‘vouching’. 

More than 1.3 million people applied to vote by post after the general election was announced. However, some postal voters did not receive their ballot packs in time to complete and return them before polling day, and it is clear that the postal voting systems did not work well enough for some voters. We have proposed recommendations to improve the service for voters, including by looking at the deadline for applications and more voting options for those who do not receive ballot packs on time. 

Returning postal votes was also a challenge for overseas voters, many of whom once again experienced significant difficulties when trying to participate in the election. The system for overseas voters should be reformed, by considering how and when they receive ballot papers, and looking at alternatives such as voting in embassies and 
consulates. 

We also found that more needs to be done to ensure disabled voters have the support and information they need to take part in our democratic processes. Almost all disabled voters said it was easy to get inside the polling station and vote, but only half agreed that the equipment, information and support that they need to vote is available. We recommend improving awareness of the support available, including through the provision of clearer information both online and offline.

Campaigning at the election

A record number of candidates stood at the general election. There was a robust and vibrant political debate, with voters able to hear from a wide array of views. However, many candidates experienced unacceptable instances of intimidation and harassment, in particular directed at women and candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds. I am grateful to those of you who shared your experiences with us.

The issue of abuse and intimidation of candidates must be tackled as a matter of urgency. We are committed to working with partners across the wider electoral community to collectively develop effective responses to tackle these problems. We will undertake research to understand what is driving abuse and intimidation, and make sure candidates and campaigners know how to report it. 

We will also support the important work of the Speaker’s Conference on threats against candidates and MPs, as well as the work led by the Home Office, the Defending Democracy Taskforce, and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. 

Tackling this issue requires coordinated work across the sector, and we hope to see key partners tackle the challenge with us. Police forces and prosecutors must continue to treat this issue seriously, and demonstrate that those who commit an offence will face significant sanctions. Political parties should ensure that membership rules explicitly emphasise respect of other campaigners. Social media platforms must do more to develop improved screening tools, remove abusive content, and identify perpetrators.

Reform is urgently needed

We would welcome your views on the recommendations we have put forward in our report. With the next scheduled general election five years away, there is an opportunity to make important reforms to ensure the system is ready and resilient. Without changes to how voters and campaigners engage with the system, there is a risk of reducing participation and confidence in our democratic process.

Yours sincerely, 

Vijay Rangarajan
Chief Executive