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 voter addresses and prevent duplicate registrations.

Description

The Voter Registration Bill makes it illegal to be registered to vote in a UK parliamentary election at more than one address. The Secretary of State is required to create regulations that:

• Force electoral registration officers to check if an applicant is already registered elsewhere.
• Require officers to inform applicants of the illegality of duplicate registrations.
• Compel applicants to choose one address for registration, removing the other from the register.

These regulations will be subject to parliamentary approval. The bill defines key terms like "electoral registration officer" and "Parliamentary election" referencing existing legislation. The bill applies to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland and comes into effect upon Royal Assent.

Government Spending

The bill's impact on government spending is not explicitly stated. The costs will likely be associated with implementing the new regulations, potentially including training for electoral registration officers and adjustments to existing registration systems. No figures are provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Electoral Registration Officers: Increased workload and responsibility for verifying addresses and managing duplicate registrations.
• Voters: Those attempting to register at multiple addresses will be prevented from doing so. This could affect individuals who may have genuinely believed they were eligible to register at multiple addresses or those attempting voter fraud.
• Political Parties: The bill could affect campaigning strategies as the voter base becomes more clearly defined.

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