✅ Absent Voting (Elections in Scotland and Wales) Bill

Commons Chamber

🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️

The Absent Voting Bill aims to modernize and streamline the voting process in Scotland and Wales by allowing online applications for postal and proxy votes in devolved elections. This change, already implemented for UK parliamentary elections, seeks to increase voter participation and reduce confusion among electors. The Bill has cross-party support and is seen as a step towards a more inclusive and efficient democratic system. If passed, it will be implemented in time for the 2026 Scottish Parliament and Welsh Senedd elections.

Summary

  • Introduction of the Bill: Tracy Gilbert, MP for Edinburgh North and Leith, introduced the Absent Voting (Elections in Scotland and Wales) Bill for its Second Reading. The Bill aims to extend the option of online applications for postal and proxy votes to elections in Scotland and Wales, matching the system already available for UK parliamentary elections.

  • Current System: Currently, voters in Scotland and Wales can apply online for postal or proxy votes only for UK parliamentary elections. For devolved elections (Scottish Parliament, Welsh Senedd, and local elections), they must use paper forms, which can be a barrier to voting.

  • Impact of Online Voting: The online absent voting application service, launched in October 2023, has been successful, with over 1.5 million applications for the 2024 general election. About 84% of postal vote applications and 93% of proxy vote applications were made online, demonstrating high satisfaction and effectiveness.

  • Proposed Changes: The Bill would allow voters in Scotland and Wales to apply for absent votes online for devolved and local elections, providing consistency and convenience. This change is proposed for the upcoming 2026 Scottish Parliament and Welsh Senedd elections.

  • Respecting Devolution: The Bill respects the devolved nature of Scottish and Welsh elections, ensuring that Scottish and Welsh Governments will have the power to implement these online services. The Bill has been discussed with Scottish and Welsh Ministers, who have agreed to the changes.

  • Additional Provisions: The Bill includes provisions such as requiring electors to provide their national insurance number for identity verification when applying for absent votes. It also aims to align the renewal cycles of absent votes for devolved elections with the three-year cycle used for reserved elections.

  • Support and Contributions: The Bill received cross-party support, with contributions from various MPs emphasizing the importance of making voting accessible and encouraging participation. Concerns about potential electoral fraud were addressed, emphasizing the need for robust online verification.

  • Next Steps: The Bill has passed its Second Reading and will now proceed to a Public Bill Committee for further scrutiny.

  • Government Support: The Government supports the Bill, recognizing its potential to enhance voter participation and streamline the voting process. They commit to collaborating with Scottish and Welsh Governments to implement these changes effectively.

Divisiveness

The session displayed minimal disagreement between participants, as the members mostly supported the Bill and the discussion was collaborative. Suggestions for enhancing clarity and process management were raised in a constructive manner. This indicates a low level of divisiveness.