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Written question asked by Lord Rennard (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 27 October 2016, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 10 November 2016. It was answered by Baroness Chisholm of Owlpen (Conservative) on Wednesday, 9 November 2016 on behalf of the Cabinet Office.

Electoral Register: British Nationals Abroad

Question

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what estimate they have made of the number of British citizens living overseas who may be entitled to qualify for inclusion on UK electoral registers if the current 15 year time limit is abolished; how they intend to ensure that it will be possible to check previous residency or inclusion against previous electoral registers given that those registers may no longer exist; and what estimate they have made of the cost to local authorities of conducting such a process.

Answer

The Government estimates that a further 3 million British citizens resident overseas would be enfranchised by the 'votes for life' proposals set out in the policy statement published on 7 October.

The policy statement also sets out how applicants will be required to establish a connection to a UK address. For those whose previous registration cannot be verified, or who were not previously registered, documentary evidence or an attestation can be used. The additional costs will be highly dependent upon the number of eligible electors who apply to vote and to renew their registrations.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL2802
Session
2016-17
Subjects
Costs British nationals abroad Electoral register Voting rights
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk