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Anonymous electoral registration

My Honourable friend the Minister for the Constitution (Chris Skidmore) has made the following Written Ministerial Statement.

I am pleased to publish the Government’s plans setting out our aim of ensuring survivors of domestic abuse can participate in our democracy by making it easier for them to register to vote without their names and addresses appearing on the electoral register.

Our proposals are intended to make the anonymous electoral registration scheme more accessible to those escaping domestic abuse. They will broaden the evidentiary requirements for an application for anonymous registration to make them more accessible and relevant for survivors of abuse, while maintaining clarity and certainty around the registration process for electoral administrators. The policy will provide more ready access to anonymous registration for those whom it is intended to help.

The publication of the policy will welcome comment from domestic abuse organisations, professional bodies and those with technical electoral expertise.

This is one of a number of proposals to make sure our democracy works for everyone. The Government is also encouraging registration in under-registered areas, equalising constituencies, and giving all British citizens who have lived in the UK a lifelong right to vote in Parliamentary elections.

I am placing a copy of the policy statement in the Libraries of both Houses.