Overview

This bill makes amendments to the Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill. Key changes include altering the referendum date, setting a minimum voter turnout threshold for the referendum to be binding, and revising constituency boundary regulations.

Description

Referendum Changes:

The bill modifies the date of the referendum, allowing for postponement if necessary, subject to parliamentary approval. It also introduces a 40% voter turnout threshold; if turnout is below this, the referendum result is non-binding.

Constituency Boundary Changes:

The bill significantly revises the process for setting constituency boundaries, including clarifying the roles and responsibilities of Boundary Commissions, mandating public consultations with specific timelines and procedures, and establishing rules for exceptional circumstances regarding constituency electorates. It specifies the inclusion of the Isle of Wight in a single constituency. The review of the reduction in the number of constituencies is also mandated.

Other Amendments:

The bill introduces amendments related to electoral processes, including definitions, registration, and the roles of various electoral officers. It also makes changes to how civil sanctions are applied for offenses related to voting and clarifies the provisions for combining polls where elections coincide with the referendum.

Government Spending

The bill's financial impact is not explicitly stated in the provided text. However, the amendments regarding electoral processes and constituency boundary revisions will likely incur costs associated with administration, consultations, and potential legal challenges.

Groups Affected

• Voters: The 40% turnout threshold could affect the validity of the referendum outcome. Changes to constituency boundaries may alter voter representation.
• Political Parties: Changes to constituency boundaries could impact electoral strategies and results.
• Boundary Commissions: Their responsibilities and procedures are significantly altered by the bill.
• Electoral Officials: Their roles and responsibilities concerning the referendum and elections are clarified and potentially expanded.
• Residents of the Isle of Wight: Their representation is guaranteed to be within a single constituency.

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