Source · Select Committees · Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
Recommendation 38
38
Rejected
Mandate next-day delivery for ballot packs and poll cards; record paid election mail times
Conclusion
Postal ballot packs must continue to be a next day delivery, and poll cards should also be delivered the next day. The freepost election mail should be delivered second class, so within 3 days of posting. We do not feel we can designate a delivery period for paid for election mail as it is up to candidates to choose how to spend their election funds. However, we do think that a record of the delivery times for all paid for election mail should be kept, so that an analysis of its delivery can be made following the election. (Recommendation, Paragraph 108)
Government Response Summary
The government rejects next-day delivery for poll cards due to estimated £52 million additional cost and states printing ballot packs on a rolling basis is impractical. It does not address the recommendations for next-day postal ballot packs, second-class freepost election mail, or keeping records of paid-for election mail delivery times.
Government Response
Rejected
HM Government
Rejected
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.