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Electoral Administration Bill

At the risk of prolonging the debate—although I must admit that I am enjoying it—the trouble lies in the fact that the dividing line between convenience and necessity is difficult to draw. I can think of someone close to my home who has a postal vote because he is always broadcasting on election day. I cite those with young children who find it difficult to vote because the polling station may not be close by. I think of those who want to vote, but who somehow never quite get round to it. Although I take the point made so well by the noble Lord, Lord Greaves, that there is something positive about going to the polling station, we have to recognise that although some people may wish to participate, they do not have the same level of engagement and involvement as us. Nevertheless, we have a responsibility to ensure that those people can exercise their democratic right to cast a vote. That means being mindful of their personal circumstances.