Proposed Changes To Electoral Registration

EDM number 2208 in 2010-12, proposed by Valerie Vaz on 10/10/2011.
Categorised under the topic of Electoral register.

That this House notes with concern the potential implications for democracy of the Government's proposals to introduce individual electoral registration before the 2015 elections; further notes that the Government has decided there will be no electoral canvass in 2014; is concerned by the Electoral Commission's view that the level of completeness of the electoral register could fall from approximately 90 per cent. to around 65 per cent. as a result of the complexity of the changes and the Government's opt out proposal, whereby it would be no longer compulsory to co-operate with electoral registration officers; is further concerned that registration under these changes is likely to be lower in inner-city areas and among the young; further notes that this may have important implications for the population of Walsall South; recognises that the electoral register is of vital importance not only for enabling people to vote but also for determining future representation and electoral boundaries; and calls on the Government to undertake a full canvass in 2014 in order to explain any changes and maintain completeness of the register, to promote the importance of electoral registration as an important civic duty, and to ensure legitimate democratic representation.

This motion has been signed by a total of 21 MPs.