Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Philip Hollobone (Conservative). It was answered on Thursday, 9 October 2008 on behalf of the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission.

Commonwealth Citizens

Question: I thank my hon. Friend for that answer. I am worried that many Commonwealth citizens in this country without indefinite leave to remain may inadvertently be putting themselves on the electoral register because of a failure to understand the rules. I accessed the Electoral Commission website yesterday and downloaded a standard electoral registration form. The declaration at point 3 is that the person registering is a citizen of a Commonwealth country. That, however, is not sufficient for somebody to be eligible for the register. Will the Electoral Commission review the procedures for the form?

Answer: My hon. Friend is well known for being particularly assiduous and having a good eye for detail, and on this occasion he has put his finger on a specific and significant point. The ““About my vote”” website carries a marginal note that states:"““You can register to vote if you are 16 years old or over and a British citizen or an Irish, qualifying Commonwealth or European Union citizen who is resident in the UK.””" However, yesterday I printed the application form to test it and saw that that marginal note is not repeated in the printed form. I could well understand someone printing out the form without the marginal note and entering on the register someone who was not qualified to vote. I have drawn the point to the Electoral Commission's attention. It is grateful for the point, and it will take up the issue and change the form. We are grateful to my hon. Friend.

Secondary information