The Elections Act 2022 was granted Royal Assent and passed into law on 28 April 2022, and this will bring significant changes to the way elections are run.
The changes are being introduced over the next few years. This is a summary of what we know so far, and will be updated as more information is known.
Further information about the Elections Act (GOV.UK website)
Requirement to show ID at polling stations
One of the most significant changes is that you’ll need to show an official form of photographic ID when you attend a polling station to vote, such as a passport or driving license.
If you do not have an official form of photographic ID, you will be able to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate.
This change has now come into force for all elections in Bromley.
Changes to absent voting (postal and proxy voting)
There are a number of changes coming into force, including; how to apply for a postal or proxy vote, reducing the amount of time a person can have an absent vote without reapplying, limiting the amount of postal votes that can be handed in and limiting the amount of individuals a person can act as a proxy for.
These changes will come into force in stages after 31 October 2023
Accessibility at polling stations
Extra support will be provided to voters with disabilities when voting in person at a polling station.
A disabled voter can be accompanied by anyone over the age of 18 at a polling station.
These changes come into force from 4 May 2023.
More information about accessibility at polling stations
Extended voting rights for British citizens living overseas
The 15 year limit on voting for British citizens living abroad will be removed. Any British citizens who were previously registered to vote in the UK or who previously lived in the UK will be able to register as an overseas elector.
British citizens living abroad will be required to re-register every three years.
These changes are expected to come into force from 1 January 2024
EU citizens’ voting and candidacy rights
EU citizens will no longer automatically be entitled to register, vote or stand for election.
Two groups of EU citizens will retain their rights:
Qualifying EU citizens
These are citizens from countries with reciprocal agreements who have leave to remain in the UK or who do not need leave to remain in the UK. These are currently Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal and Spain.
EU citizens with retained rights
These are EU citizens who were living in the UK before 1 January 2021 (the date when the UK left the EU).
These changes will apply to:
- All local elections and referendums in England.
- Mayor of London and London Assembly elections.
These changes are expected to come into force by in 2024.
Changes to the voting system for Mayoral and PCC elections
These will now be elected by the first-past-the-post system (the same as used in UK Parliamentary General Elections).
This will currently affect the London Mayoral Election.