Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the feasibility of conducting elections in May 2021 amid health concerns.
What steps the Committee is taking to ensure that elections are able to take place in May 2021. The concern lies in ensuring democratic processes proceed while adhering to public health guidelines.
The commission believes that it is an important democratic principle that elections should proceed as scheduled whenever possible. To ensure this can happen in May, the commission is working closely with electoral administrators, political parties and other campaigners to provide the necessary support and guidance, informed by the latest public health advice.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is questioning the feasibility of making necessary changes to electoral procedures in time for May elections.
Looking at the electoral procedures to be followed, there are areas like nomination signatures where face-to-face contact could occur. Can you confirm if work is being done now to mitigate such issues?
The commission is undertaking work to ensure that the elections can proceed in May in as safe a way as possible, and is working with electoral administrators to achieve that. They will be following public health advice, but at this stage, there is little time to make changes to some of the procedures before those elections.
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Assessment & feedback
specific challenges in making timely changes
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is inquiring about the feasibility of conducting all-postal ballots or providing postal vote application forms for safety reasons.
Has the Electoral Commission looked at the possibility of having all-postal ballots, or at least providing households with postal vote application forms and a freepost return service? The aim is to enable voting safely and without financial barriers.
There would be significant practical challenges in delivering an all-postal election in May, particularly with collecting personal identifiers from all eligible electors. The commission considers that voters should be able to choose how they wish to cast their vote, including in person. All options will proceed as safely as possible for the elections in May.
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Assessment & feedback
practical challenges of implementing alternative voting methods
Response accuracy