Overview

This bill aims to clarify and codify the existing ban on prisoners voting in parliamentary and local government elections in the UK. It sets out a clear definition of who is considered a prisoner for voting purposes and ensures the ban applies to those sentenced before and after the bill's enactment.

Description

The Convicted Prisoners Voting Bill establishes a comprehensive legal framework for disenfranchising prisoners. Key aspects include:

• Voting Ban: Prisoners serving custodial sentences are explicitly barred from voting in UK elections (both parliamentary and local).
• Definition of "Prisoner": The bill defines "prisoner" broadly to encompass individuals detained in prison, on temporary release, or unlawfully at large but subject to a prison sentence. It clarifies that the ban applies only to sentences of imprisonment, detention, or custody for offenses, excluding those for non-payment of fines or contempt of court.
• Definition of "Custodial Sentence": This term encompasses sentences imposed by both UK and foreign courts.
• Retroactive Application: The bill applies to individuals sentenced both before and after its enactment.
• Geographical Extent: The law applies across the entire United Kingdom.

Government Spending

The bill is not expected to have a significant impact on government spending. The cost of implementing and enforcing the legislation would likely be minimal, absorbed within existing electoral administration budgets. No specific figures are provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

The bill directly affects:

• Prisoners: They are explicitly disenfranchised during their custodial sentences.
• Electoral Officials: They will be responsible for implementing and enforcing the provisions of the bill.
• Political Parties: Their campaigning strategies may be influenced by the exclusion of a segment of the population from voting.

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