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Written question asked by Lord Hayward (Conservative) on Tuesday, 4 November 2025, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 18 November 2025. It was answered by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage (Labour) on Tuesday, 18 November 2025 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Local Government: Elections

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage on 3 November (HL11135), which local authorities have applied to pilot flexible voting methods at the May 2026 elections in England; which voting methods will be piloted; and what criteria will be applied when selecting the local authorities to operate these pilots.

Answer

The Government is exploring ways to make voting in person more efficient, more convenient, and better aligned with the expectations of today’s electors.

Local authorities were invited to submit applications to pilot a range of flexible voting methods at the May 2026 elections in England. We are working with individual local authorities to shape the detail of their flexible voting pilots. We will continue to work with key stakeholders and local authorities throughout development and delivery of the pilots.

We are currently reviewing applications from local authorities wishing to pilot at the May 2026 elections and we will share further details in due course.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL11597
Session
2024-26
Related items
Local Government: Elections
Monday, 3 November 2025
Written questions
House of Lords
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Elections Local government Pilot schemes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk