Overview

This bill aims to improve the accuracy and completeness of electoral registers in the UK by automating the registration process. It mandates data sharing between government bodies and registration officers to identify eligible voters and proposes penalties for non-cooperation.

Description

The Automatic Electoral Registration Bill introduces several key measures:

• Duty to Ensure Accurate Registers: The Secretary of State must ensure electoral registers are at least 98% complete. Directions can be issued to registration officers and local authorities to achieve this, including providing additional resources.
• Data Matching and Sharing: Public bodies (including HMRC, DVLA, NHS, schools, and benefits agencies) must share specified information with registration officers to identify potential voters. This information includes details from applications for driving licenses, passports, school registration, benefit claims, and TV licenses.
• Delegation of Registration Functions: Certain institutions (universities, hospitals, schools, etc.) will be responsible for collecting and reporting information on eligible voters.
• Notification and Emendation: Registered individuals will be notified to verify their details, and those incorrectly registered can notify the registration officer for corrections.
• Civil Penalties: A £500 penalty will be imposed on individuals who do not cooperate with registration officers.
• Unregistered Dwellings: Registration officers must actively canvass residents of dwellings not on the register.
• Digital System: A single, integrated software system will be implemented for managing electoral registers across the UK.

Government Spending

The bill will involve expenditure for the implementation of the new digital system and for any increased costs associated with data sharing and enforcement of the new regulations. Specific figures are not provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Voters: May experience easier registration; could face penalties for non-cooperation.
• Registration Officers: Will have increased responsibilities and potentially increased workload.
• Local Authorities: May need to provide additional resources to registration officers.
• Public Bodies (HMRC, DVLA, NHS, etc.): Will be required to share data for electoral registration purposes.
• Institutions (Universities, Hospitals, Schools): Will have a role in collecting and reporting information on eligible voters.

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