Is it time for automatic voter registration in the UK
Toby S. James, Paúl Bernal · UEA Digital Repository (University of East Anglia) · 2020
Voting is an essential part of the democratic process.It's vitally important that the electoral process is fit for purpose for the twenty-first century, and that voting is accessible and convenient as could be to all citizens.This research-led report helpfully sets out the arguments and issues to be weighed up as policy makers and parliamentarians consider whether to introduce automatic voter registration.' Andrew Bowie MP, Chair of the APPG on Democratic Participation• Overall, this report makes 28 recommendations to modernise the UK's electoral machinery for an inclusive twentyfirst century democracy. | Executive Summary"Automatic voter registration" (AVR) is the direct enrolment of citizens onto the electoral register by public officials, without the need for pro-active action by citizens.1 The term is used interchangeably with 'direct enrolment' and 'automatic voter registration' in this report -to which it is more commonly referred to in some countries including Australia. The need for proactive voter registration modernisation1.10 The world does not stand still.There have been major changes in the nature of society since the voter registration system was first developed in the context of the First World War.These changes include a much more mobile population, greater diversity and changed expectations from citizens about how they think governmental bodies work -The world does not stand still.There have been major changes in the nature of society since the voter registration system was first developed in the context of the First World War.Age band 16-24 25-49 50 Plus Unknown/Missing