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Written question asked by Preet Kaur Gill (Labour) on Thursday, 31 October 2019, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 4 November 2019. It was answered by Chloe Smith (Conservative) on Monday, 4 November 2019 on behalf of the Cabinet Office.

Absent Voting: British Nationals Abroad

Question

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he has plans to bring forward legislative proposals to enable British citizens living overseas who have postal votes to (a) receive postal vote packs by email and (b) vote online.

Answer

The Government recognises the importance of a smooth and timely process for overseas electors in regards to the 12 December General Election, and has taken steps to ensure that postal votes reach overseas electors in good time to cast their vote.

The timetable for UK elections was revised in 2013 to extend the time available for postal vote packs to be printed, posted and returned. We are also working with Royal Mail to set up a dedicated scheme for Returning Officers to use to expedite the delivery of postal votes to overseas electors. If an elector is concerned that their local postal services are irregular or if they live far from the UK, we advise that they consider voting by proxy as an alternative to a postal vote.

The Government has no plans to bring forward legislative proposals to enable British citizens living overseas who have postal votes to receive postal vote packs by email or vote online. The selection of elected representatives for Parliament is regarded as requiring the highest possible level of integrity and, at present, there are concerns that online voting, by any means, is not seen by many to be suitably rigorous and secure, and could be vulnerable to attack or fraud.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
8256
Session
2019-19
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Absent voting British nationals abroad Internet
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk