Written question asked by Lord Garden (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Ashton of Upholland (Labour) on Tuesday, 15 May 2007.

Elections: Armed Forces

Question: asked Her Majesty's Government:What measures they have taken to assess the effectiveness during the 3 May 2007 elections of the new arrangements for voting by the Armed Forces; and when the results of any assessment will be available.

Answer: The Ministry of Defence carried out a survey in December 2006 to determine electoral registration levels and awareness of the need to register among members of the Armed Forces. Evaluation of the survey is not yet complete. I understand that the Ministry of Defence will place a copy of the report in the Library of the House when it becomes available. In February 2007, the Government asked the Electoral Commission to review and report on the introduction of personal identifiers for absent voting in England and Wales and, in particular, the use of the personal identifiers at the 3 May 2007 elections in England and Wales. The Electoral Commission has advised that the review may include an assessment of the impact of the new provisions on members of the Armed Forces. The Electoral Commission has been asked to produce its report by 31 July 2007. A copy of the report will be made publicly available when it is produced.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 3621; 692 c21WA
Session: 2006-07
Related items: Elections: Armed Forces
Wednesday, 13 June 2007
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Armed forces Elections Electoral register
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk