Overview

The Ballot Secrecy Bill aims to strengthen the secrecy of votes cast in polling stations by making it an offence to try and influence a voter's decision while they are at or near a polling booth. This applies across the UK, with some variations in penalties depending on the jurisdiction.

Description

The bill amends the Representation of the People Act 1983 and related Northern Ireland legislation. It introduces a new offence: influencing a voter at a polling booth. This covers two scenarios:

• Being with another person at a polling booth and intending to influence their vote.
• Being near a polling booth when another person is there and intending to influence their vote.

The bill defines a "polling booth" as a compartment where voters mark their ballots privately. Assisting voters as permitted by law is explicitly excluded from this offence. Penalties for this offence vary by location: up to 6 months imprisonment, a fine, or both, in England and Wales; and up to 6 months imprisonment, a fine (level 5 on the standard scale), or both, in Scotland and Northern Ireland. The bill does not affect local government elections in Scotland and Wales. The bill's provisions come into effect on varying dates to be specified by the Secretary of State.

Government Spending

The bill does not directly specify any government spending. The cost of enforcing the new law through investigation and prosecution will be an indirect cost to the government.

Groups Affected

• Voters: The bill aims to protect voters from undue influence at polling stations, enhancing their ability to vote freely and secretly.
• Political parties and campaigners: The bill restricts activities near polling stations, potentially affecting campaigning strategies. Any attempts to influence voters in the ways prohibited could result in legal consequences for individuals and organisations.
• Law enforcement agencies: Police and other relevant authorities will be responsible for investigating and prosecuting offences under the new law.
• Courts: The courts will handle cases related to offences under the new legislation.

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