Overview

The Overseas Voters Bill aims to make it easier for British citizens living abroad to register and vote in UK parliamentary elections. It removes time limits on overseas residency for voting eligibility and introduces internet voting to improve accessibility.

Description

This bill has three main components:

Facilitating Overseas Voter Registration: The Electoral Commission is tasked with identifying and assisting British citizens abroad who are eligible to vote but not registered.

Extending Eligibility Criteria: The bill removes any restrictions on voting based solely on the length of time a British citizen has lived overseas. Previously, length of time abroad may have acted as a barrier to registration.

Enabling Internet Voting: The Secretary of State is required to create regulations allowing registered overseas voters to cast their ballots online. These regulations must include measures to prevent fraud and ensure only eligible individuals can vote and will require approval from both Houses of Parliament.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify exact figures for government spending. However, costs are expected to be incurred by the Electoral Commission for identifying and assisting overseas voters and by the government for developing and implementing secure online voting systems.

Groups Affected

• British citizens living overseas: This bill will likely increase their ability to participate in UK elections, as registration and voting will become more accessible.
• The Electoral Commission: The Commission will have increased responsibilities in identifying and assisting overseas voters.
• The UK Government: The government will be responsible for the cost of implementing secure internet voting.

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