Overview

This bill, the Convicted Prisoners Voting Act 2014, aims to establish a clear legal framework barring prisoners serving custodial sentences from voting in parliamentary and local government elections across the United Kingdom. The bill applies regardless of when the sentence was imposed.

Description

The bill explicitly disqualifies individuals serving custodial sentences from participating in elections. A "custodial sentence" is defined as imprisonment, detention, or custody for an offense, including those imposed by foreign courts. The definition also encompasses service offences under the Armed Forces Act 2006, but specifically excludes sentences for non-payment of fines or contempt of court.

Key Definitions:

• "Custodial sentence": Imprisonment, detention, or custody for an offense.
• "Local government election": As defined in section 203(1) of the Representation of the People Act 1983.
• "Prison": An institution governed by the Prison Act 1952.
• "Prisoner": Someone detained in prison, on temporary release, or unlawfully at large but otherwise subject to detention.

The bill clarifies that it applies to a prisoner's sentence only if they are detained due to that specific sentence (or would be if not temporarily released or unlawfully at large). The act applies retrospectively, affecting those sentenced before its enactment.

Government Spending

The bill is unlikely to have a significant direct impact on government spending. Any administrative costs associated with its implementation are likely to be minimal.

Groups Affected

The bill directly affects:

• Prisoners serving custodial sentences: They will be denied the right to vote.
• Election officials: They will be responsible for implementing the new rules.
• Political parties and candidates: The bill may alter their campaigning strategies.

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