Ellie Ames 03 October 2023

Wales to automatically register voters

Wales to automatically register voters image
Image: Michael715 / Shutterstock.com

The Welsh Government is set to introduce automatic voter registration for local government and Senedd elections.

Under the Elections and Elected Bodies (Wales) Bill, introduced today, councils would be required to register people to the local government register without the need for an application.

Local authorities will be invited to take part in trials focusing on how best to collect data to support automatic registration.

The legislation will also require ministers to establish a fund to help disabled people standing for elections with additional costs, such as mobility equipment and communication software.

The Government said its ambition was for the changes to be in place for the next major devolved and local elections in 2026 and 2027.

Counsel general and minister for the constitution Mick Antoniw said: ‘Ultimately this is about making it as easy as possible for people to vote and participate in democracy.

‘Our actions to remove barriers are in direct contrast with the UK Government, which has denied some voters their democratic right by requiring photo ID in recent English local elections.’

The director of Electoral Reform Society Cymru, Jess Blair, said: ‘It is welcome that ministers are looking at how to make voting easier for people, removing barriers that we know many people face.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Principal Accountant

Durham County Council
£47,181 to £51,356 p.a. (Grade 13)
Durham County Council is the largest council in the North East, we have a budget of around £1.3 billion which helps us provide services to more than 5 Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Mechanical Foreman

Durham County Council
£35,412 to £39,152 p.a. (Grade 9)
A vacancy has arisen within Building and Facilities Management for a Mechanical Foreman working full time 37 hours.   WHAT IS INVOLVED?    Within a co Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Occupational Health Physiotherapist

Durham County Council
£40,777 to £45,091 p.a. (Grade 11)
An exciting opportunity has arisen with Durham County Council to join our well established ‘in house’ Occupational Health Service in making a positiv Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Apprentice - Housing Management

Durham County Council
£14,566 per annum / £7.55 per hour (NMW in Second Year)
Earn. Learn. Qualify. Do you want to earn while you learn, with the chance of progression once you qualify? Do you want the opportunity to grow, devel Seaham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

School Crossing Patrol

Durham County Council
Grade 1 £3,383 (approx.) £12.85 per hour
Join our School Crossing Patrol Service! Are you punctual and reliable? Do you have good communication skills and a strong sense of community spirit? Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner