Source · Select Committees · Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
Recommendation 37
37
Not Addressed
Unclear election mail delivery timelines cause candidate concerns despite high success rates
Conclusion
We appreciate the Royal Mail’s assurances that over 99% of all election mail was delivered on time. However, we are concerned that despite this a number of candidates felt their messaging was not delivered when they expected. To ease concerns for candidates, timelines for delivery of different materials should be clear and tight. (Conclusion, Paragraph 108)
Government Response Summary
The government outlines changes to improve resilience in the postal and proxy voting system, but does not specifically commit to making timelines for delivery of different election materials clear and tight. It rejects next-day delivery for poll cards and rolling ballot pack printing as impractical or too costly.
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
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.