Electoral Commission responds to Government’s Strategy for Elections

Proposals in the UK Government’s Strategy for Elections should significantly improve the system for voters, parties, campaigners and electoral administrators, according to the Electoral Commission. Changes to voter registration, the political finance rules, candidate protection, and the electoral timetable will bring particular benefits. 

With nearly 8 million people not correctly registered, automatic voter registration should improve both the accuracy of the electoral register and support many more to participate. Changes to candidate nomination and postal vote deadlines would relieve some of the pressure facing electoral administrators, and improved processes should lead to better experiences for voters.

New controls on political donations from companies and unincorporated associations, know-your-donor checks, and strengthened regulatory powers would close long-standing loopholes in electoral finance law, increase transparency and help rebuild voter trust. 

The Commission remains opposed to the principle of a Strategy and Policy Statement (SPS) for the Electoral Commission. 

Vijay Rangarajan, Chief Executive of the Electoral Commission, said:

“These reforms will improve the resilience and integrity of our electoral system, tackling many of the threats it faces and should improve the experience for voters, campaigners, parties and administrators.

“Registration reform would open the door for millions more to get involved in elections, and the proposed changes to the political finance rules would strengthen the checks on money coming into UK politics and ensure a more proportionate and effective enforcement regime. 

“We are ready to work with the electoral community to build understanding and compliance with any new requirements, and to support voters with information and education resources.” 

The Commission does not take a view on franchise changes but will support the implementation of votes at 16, as it has done in Wales and Scotland, and further work to help overseas voters. It will focus on informing new voters and helping them feel confident about participating in the democratic process: in particular in robust but respectful debate. 

Further work and evidence are needed on some proposals. The Commission supports proposals for digital voter ID, but using bank cards as voter ID has risks for security and voter trust. 

Commenting on the SPS, the Chair of the Electoral Commission, John Pullinger, said: 

“We remain opposed to the principle of a strategy and policy statement, by which a government can guide our work. The independence and impartiality of an electoral commission must be clear for voters and campaigners to see, and this form of influence from a government is inconsistent with that role. This bill offers a timely opportunity to repeal the power for government to designate a statement.”

Ends

For more information contact the Electoral Commission press office on 020 7271 0704, out of office hours 07789 920 414 or [email protected]

Notes to Editors

  • The Electoral Commission is the independent body which oversees elections and regulates political finance in the UK. We work to promote public confidence in the democratic process and ensure its integrity by:
    • enabling the delivery of free and fair elections and referendums, focusing on the needs of electors and addressing the changing environment to ensure every vote remains secure and accessible
    • regulating political finance – taking proactive steps to increase transparency, ensure compliance and pursue breaches
    • using our expertise to make and advocate for changes to our democracy, aiming to improve fairness, transparency and efficiency
  • The Commission was set up in 2000 and reports to the UK, Welsh and Scottish parliaments.