Overview

This bill aims to prevent individuals from registering to vote in UK parliamentary elections at more than one address. It mandates the Secretary of State to create regulations ensuring electoral registration officers verify addresses and prevent duplicate registrations.

Description

The Voter Registration Bill makes it illegal to be registered to vote in a UK parliamentary election at multiple addresses. The Secretary of State will be responsible for creating regulations that will require electoral registration officers to:

• Check if an applicant is already registered at another address.
• Inform the applicant that they can only be registered at one address.
• Require the applicant to choose one address for registration.
• Remove the original registration if a new one is chosen.
• Refuse registration at a new address if the applicant chooses to keep the existing one.

The bill defines "electoral registration officer" and "Parliamentary election" according to existing legislation (Representation of the People Act 1983 and Interpretation Act 1978 respectively) and applies to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. It will come into effect upon receiving Royal Assent.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify any government spending figures. The cost will likely be associated with the implementation of the new regulations, including potential administrative costs for electoral registration officers and any necessary software updates or training.

Groups Affected

The bill primarily affects:

• Individuals attempting to register at multiple addresses: They will be prevented from voting at more than one location.
• Electoral registration officers: They will have new responsibilities for verifying addresses and managing duplicate registrations.
• The Secretary of State: They are responsible for creating and enforcing the regulations.

Powered by nyModel