Using the majority given to them by Westminster's First Past the Post voting system, the government has passed sweeping voting restrictions with little debate or consultation.
The Elections Bill includes clauses introducing voter ID, more widespread use of the outdated First Past the Post voting system, and gives the government more say in how the Electoral Commission – the body charged with ensuring elections are fair and free – is run. It also changes the rules around how charities can campaign for change and on the rights of foreign-born residents of the UK to vote.
We have been raising the risks of voter ID since 2017, and, over the past few months worked as part of the Democracy Defence Coalition to mobilise thousands of people against the plans - bringing together campaigners, charities, academics and civil society groups in opposition to this damaging Bill. The public see through the government's plans and thousands of you have signed petitions to stop the Bill. But our work doesn't end here.
The Elections Bill highlights precisely why we need to reform Westminster's broken voting system. The supporting evidence for measures in the Bill has 'simply not been good enough' according to PACAC. This Bill would never have passed if the government needed to make a stronger case and convince a broader group of MPs.
The legislation now moves to the House of Lords. We'll be working with peers to amend the legislation to remove its most contentious clauses and help reverse the most damaging aspects of the Bill.
