Overview

This bill aims to make it easier for British citizens living overseas to vote in UK parliamentary elections. It removes time limits on overseas residency for voting eligibility, mandates the Electoral Commission to help register overseas voters, and introduces internet voting with safeguards against fraud.

Description

The Overseas Voters Bill introduces several key changes to the UK electoral system:

• Facilitating Overseas Voter Registration: The Electoral Commission is tasked with identifying and assisting British citizens abroad who are eligible to vote but not registered.
• Removing Residency Restrictions: The bill eliminates any time limits on how long a British citizen can live overseas before losing their right to vote in UK parliamentary elections.
• Introducing Internet Voting: The Secretary of State is required to create regulations enabling internet voting for registered overseas voters. These regulations must include measures to prevent fraud and ensure only eligible individuals can vote. The regulations require approval by both Houses of Parliament.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify direct government spending figures. Costs will likely arise from the Electoral Commission's increased responsibilities in registering overseas voters and from the development and implementation of secure internet voting systems by the Secretary of State.

Groups Affected

• British citizens living overseas: This bill directly benefits them by making it easier to register and vote, removing residency restrictions, and potentially offering a more convenient voting method (internet voting).
• The Electoral Commission: This bill increases their responsibilities and workload in identifying and assisting overseas voters.
• The Secretary of State: This bill requires the Secretary of State to create and implement secure internet voting systems.
• UK Parliament: This bill requires parliamentary approval for internet voting regulations.

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