Source · Select Committees · Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
Recommendation 33
33
Accepted
Change law to allow earlier re-issue of ballot packs and flexible vote method changes
Conclusion
The law should be changed to allow the re-issuing of postal ballot packs earlier than four days before the election. People should also be able to apply to change their method of voting, from postal to in-person or proxy, within the election window. People should be able to hand in their postal vote at designated council premises up to the day of the election. (Recommendation, Paragraph 105)
Government Response Summary
The government states it is developing measures to allow earlier replacement of lost/spoilt postal votes and more flexibility for electors to change voting methods within the election window. It also notes that handing in postal votes at council premises up to election day is already permitted.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
This Government is committed to strengthening the postal and proxy voting system. Changes outlined in our Strategy for Elections will improve resilience and capacity, including adjustments to application deadlines, allowing earlier replacement of lost/ spoilt postal votes, and offering more flexibility to change voting methods. Regarding printing ballot packs on a rolling basis, this is impractical with current system capabilities. The recommendation for next-day delivery for poll cards is not viable due to an estimated £52 million additional cost. Measures for reissuing postal ballot packs and allowing electors to change voting methods are being developed, and handing in postal votes at council premises up to election day is already permitted. The Government works closely with Royal Mail on election preparedness, and both the Electoral Commission and this Committee have concluded Royal Mail performed well, indicating no need for further regulatory intervention regarding delivery standards. The Government is exploring flexible voting options, including pilot projects at local elections in May 2026 and 2027, but these will not include online voting or electronic machines. We have no plans to remove poll cards, as they are a vital communication tool.