Overview

This Postal Voting Bill aims to strengthen the security and integrity of postal voting in UK elections by creating new offences related to the handling of postal voting documents and restricting the number of postal votes that can be handled by a single person. It also clarifies the notification process for rejected postal votes.

Description

The bill makes several key changes to existing electoral law:

New Offences:

It introduces new offences under the Representation of the People Act 1983, criminalizing activities aimed at influencing election outcomes by improperly handling another person's postal voting documents, unless the handler is a close relative or carer. "Corruptly handling" a postal voting document also becomes a criminal offence.

Restrictions on Handling Multiple Votes:

The bill limits the number of postal votes a single person can submit on behalf of others for parliamentary and English local government elections. The exact limit will be set by regulations.

Notification of Rejected Votes:

The bill modifies the notification process for rejected postal votes. Notifications will now include reasons for rejection, such as incomplete statements, offences related to handling of documents, or contravention of the limit on submitting multiple votes.

Government Spending

The bill is unlikely to have a significant direct impact on government spending. The costs will primarily involve enforcement of the new regulations and may include updating electoral commission guidelines. No specific figures are available in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Voters: The bill may indirectly impact voters by increasing the security of their votes and reducing the potential for fraud. They may also receive more detailed notification if their postal vote is rejected.
• Returning officers: Increased responsibilities in handling and verifying postal votes, enforcing new restrictions, and providing more detailed notification of rejected votes.
• Political parties and campaigners: New restrictions on handling postal voting documents might affect campaign strategies and activities.
• Individuals who help others vote by post: Those who regularly assist others (e.g., carers) are exempt from the new offences, but those who handle votes for a large number of individuals may be affected by the restrictions.
• Those convicted of electoral offences: The changes will add to the range of potential offences for which an individual could face penalties.

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