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 introduces penalties for non-cooperation.

Description

The bill places a duty on the Secretary of State to ensure electoral registers are at least 98% accurate. It requires data matching and sharing from various public bodies (including HMRC, DVLA, NHS, schools, and benefits agencies) to registration officers for electoral registration purposes. This data will include information like name, address, age, and nationality. Registration officers must use this data to register eligible voters, contacting individuals if information is incomplete. Individuals registered automatically can be removed from the register unless they notify otherwise. The bill also delegates registration functions to institutions like universities and hospitals for their residents and employees. It mandates a notification process for registered individuals to correct errors and establishes a £500 penalty for non-cooperation. Finally, the bill requires the implementation of a single, integrated software system for managing electoral registers across the UK.

Government Spending

The bill will require government spending on the implementation of the new software system and potentially increased resources for registration officers. Exact figures are not specified in the bill.

Groups Affected

• Voters: May experience more accurate and automatic registration, potentially increasing voter turnout. They may also face penalties for non-cooperation.
• Government bodies (e.g., HMRC, DVLA, NHS): Will be required to share data with registration officers, potentially impacting their data handling procedures and resources.
• Registration officers: Will have increased responsibilities and potentially increased workload managing data and communications.
• Local authorities: May need to provide additional resources to registration officers.
• Universities, hospitals, and schools: Will have a duty to collect and report information on eligible voters.

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