Source · Select Committees · Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
Recommendation 25
25
Paragraph: 114
The Government’s reasons for making these changes to the laws on postal voting appear valid...
Conclusion
The Government’s reasons for making these changes to the laws on postal voting appear valid and justified to the Committee. The Committee recommends that the Government sets out regulations to the effect that local authorities must notify people in advance of the expiry of a postal vote to ensure that they do not accidentally find themselves unable to vote at an election.
Paragraph Reference:
114
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government welcomes the Committee’s comments on the postal voting measures. The Bill will limit the period a person’s application covers to three years. Under the transitional arrangements set out in the Bill, the measure will be phased in for existing long-term postal voters over a period of up to three years so they will have advance notice of the change and to enable them to prepare for the new requirements. The Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) will be required to send to electors who have an existing long-term postal vote arrangement a notice informing them of the date on which their postal vote arrangement will end and information about how to make a fresh application to vote by post. It is also intended that regulations will make similar provisions in relation to new applicants who apply for a postal vote for the maximum period allowed.