Overview

This bill aims to prevent individuals from registering to vote in more than one constituency for parliamentary elections in the UK. It mandates the Secretary of State to create regulations that ensure electoral registration officers prevent duplicate registrations.

Description

The Voter Registration Bill makes it illegal to be registered to vote in more than one constituency for UK parliamentary elections. The Secretary of State is required to create regulations to enforce this. These regulations will obligate electoral registration officers to:

• Check if an applicant is already registered elsewhere.
• Inform applicants of the illegality of dual registration.
• Require applicants to choose a single constituency.
• Remove the original registration if a new one is chosen.
• Refuse to register an additional address if the applicant keeps their existing registration.

The bill defines key terms like "electoral registration officer" and "parliamentary election" by referencing existing legislation (Representation of the People Act 1983 and Interpretation Act 1978). The bill applies to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland and comes into effect upon receiving Royal Assent.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending. The cost will likely involve the administrative changes required to implement the new regulations within electoral registration offices across the UK. No figures are provided in the bill itself.

Groups Affected

• Electoral Registration Officers: Will face increased workload and responsibility in verifying registrations.
• Voters: Those attempting to register in multiple constituencies will be prevented from doing so.
• Political Parties: May need to adjust their voter registration strategies.

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