Overview

The Ballot Secrecy Bill aims to strengthen the secrecy of ballots cast at polling stations by making it an offence to try to influence a voter while they are at or near a polling booth. This applies across the UK, with minor variations in penalties.

Description

This bill amends the Representation of the People Act 1983 and related legislation in Northern Ireland. It introduces a new offence: influencing voters at polling booths. This offence is committed if a person is with another person at a polling booth, or near a polling booth while another person is inside, and intends to influence that person's vote. Exceptions are made for those assisting voters in accordance with existing rules.

Penalties:

In England and Wales, the penalty is up to 6 months imprisonment, a fine, or both. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, it’s up to 6 months imprisonment, a fine (level 5 on the standard scale), or both. The bill also updates relevant legislation in Northern Ireland to reflect these changes.

Exemptions:

Assisting voters as per existing rules (e.g., helping someone with disabilities to vote) is explicitly excluded from the definition of influencing voters.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending. The cost will likely relate to enforcement (potentially increased police resources, legal processes, and potential court costs). No figures are available in the provided text.

Groups Affected

• Voters: The bill is designed to protect voters by preventing undue influence at polling booths, strengthening their right to a secret ballot.
• Political Campaigners: Campaigners will need to be more cautious about their activities near polling stations to avoid breaching the new law.
• Law Enforcement: Police and other law enforcement agencies will be responsible for enforcing the new law.
• Courts: The courts will handle prosecutions under the new legislation.

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