Question

To ask the hon. Member for South West Devon, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, what steps the Electoral Commission is taking to increase the take-up of postal votes.

The Electoral Commission does not set out to increase the take-up of postal voting and instead provides information to help people participate with confidence in elections and referendums by whatever method they find most convenient. This includes ensuring people understand the range of options available to them to cast their vote, including by post, proxy and at a polling station.

The Commission’s guidance to Electoral Registration Officers sets out that they should ensure people are made aware of the different ways they can cast their vote so they are able to choose the option that is most appropriate to their circumstances.

Information on different options for how to cast a ballot is also provided on the Commission’s website, via media releases, social media channels, and through the public information phone line.