Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps his Department is taking to reduce the level of electoral fraud; and if he will undertake a review of legislation with a view to restricting on-demand postal and proxy votes.

The Government published its response to Securing the Ballot in December, setting out a clear and comprehensive package for reform of the electoral system that will strengthen the integrity of our electoral processes, and enhance public confidence in our democracy.

“On demand” postal and proxy voting were both considered as part of Sir Eric Pickles’ review, and the response outlines the Government’s position on both issues.

The Government agrees with Sir Eric that requiring postal voters to reapply for their ballot every three years would add rigour to the current process. We intend to consider the practical implications of making such a change, in consultation with the Electoral Commission. We will also be giving careful consideration to strengthening the rules on proxy voting, including by exploring changing the deadline for the registration of an emergency proxy, and clarifying current legislation on proxy voting offences.

Where reforms require primary legislation, the Government is clear that their implementation will depend on the availability of parliamentary time.