Info
Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The UK is currently divided into 650 parliamentary constituencies, each of which is represented by one MP in the House of Commons. There are currently 543 constituencies in England, 57 in Scotland, 32 in Wales and 18 in Northern Ireland.
The Parliamentary Constituencies Act 2020 amended the Parliamentary Constituencies Act 1986 and changed the number of seats from 600 to 650.
Source: Parliamentary Constituencies Act 1986, Schedule 2: Section 1, https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1986/56/schedule/2
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2020/25/data.pdf
Parliamentary Constituencies Act 2020, Section 5, https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2020/25/section/5/enacted
Verified: 2025/06/12
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
a . "Equality" of population b . Respecting natural barriers d . Conformity with local jurisdiction boundaries e . Geographic size of district f . Communities of interest/cultural concerns g . Other
Comments: A Boundary Commission may take into account, if and to such extent as they think fit:
(a)special geographical considerations, including in particular the size, shape and accessibility of a constituency;
(b)local government boundaries which exist, or are prospective, on the review date;
(c)boundaries of existing constituencies;
(d)any local ties that would be broken by changes in constituencies;
(e)the inconveniences attendant on such changes.
Source: Parliamentary Constituencies Act 1986, Schedule 2: Section 5(1), https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1986/56/schedule/2#commentary-key-8a8f16ee5d11430ea3a1714ea00d466a
Verified: 2025/06/12
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
a . Legislature (1st chamber) b . Legislature (2nd chamber) d . Boundary Commission
Comments: Recommendations and proposals are suggested by Boundary Commission reports, and are then submitted, by the Secretary of State, for approval by Parliament (i.e. the House of Commons and the House of Lords).
Source: Parliamentary Constituencies Act 1986 (c.56), Art. 3, 4, https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1986/56/contents
Verified: 2025/06/12
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
g . Inherited monarchy
Comments: The monarch of the United Kingdom acts as the Head of State. The U.K. has an uncodified constitution where fundamental rules take the form of customs, precedent, and a variety of statutes and legal instruments. As a constitutional monarch, His/Her Majesty does not 'rule' the country but fulfils important ceremonial and formal roles with respect to Government. They are also the Fount of Justice, Head of the Armed Forces and have important relationships with the established Churches of England and Scotland.
Source:
Verified: 2025/06/12
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
e . Appointed
Comments: After a general election, the appointment of a Prime Minister is the prerogative of the Sovereign. The Head of Government is the Prime Minister.
The leader of the party with an overall majority of seats in the House of Commons is usually appointed to the role of Prime Minister, but there could still be exceptional circumstances when the reigning monarch might need to exercise discretion. In appointing a Prime Minister, the Sovereign is guided by constitutional conventions. The main requirement is to find someone who can command the confidence of the House of Commons.
Although she is a constitutional monarch who remains politically neutral, The Queen retains the ability to give a regular audience to a Prime Minister during his or her term of office.
Source: Official Website of the UK Parliament: https://www.parliament.uk/about/mps-and-lords/principal/government-opposition/
Verified: 2025/06/12
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Official Website of the UK Government: https://www.gov.uk/government/ministers/prime-minister
Verified: 2025/06/12
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
b . Two chambers
Comments: The Parliament consists of the House of Lords and the House of Commons.
The Commons is publicly elected. The party with the largest number of members in the Commons forms the government.
The House of Lords is the second chamber of the UK Parliament. It is independent from, and complements the work of, the elected House of Commons. The Lords shares the task of making and shaping laws and checking and challenging the work of the government.
Source: Official Website of the UK Parliament: http://www.parliament.uk/about/how/role/system/ (2015)
Verified: 2025/06/12
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
a . Plurality (FPTP)
Comments: The UK is divided into single-member constituencies.
Voters cast one vote for their preferred candidate.
The candidate with the most votes in each constituency wins the seat.
There is no requirement for a majority—just more votes than any other candidate.
Source: Official Website of the UK Parliament: https://www.parliament.uk/about/how/elections-and-voting/voting-systems/
Verified: 2025/06/12
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
b . Separate legislation d . Regulations or administrative rules
Comments: The electoral law governing national elections in the UK is governed by separate legislation, primarily the Elections Act 2022. This Act is not part of the UK Constitution (which is uncodified and made up of various sources), nor is it a decree or merely administrative regulation. The Elections Act 2022 is the primary legislation currently in force, with updates as of June 2025. It is a Public General Act passed by the UK Parliament, making it separate legislation.
The Electoral Commission issues guidance for Returning Officers, political parties, and candidates to ensure consistent application of the law. The Cabinet Office and other government departments provide administrative guidance, especially during pre-election periods, to ensure civil service neutrality.
Source: Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Act 2011: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2011/1/contents/enacted
Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/41/contents
Representation of the People Act 1983: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1983/2
Political Parties and Elections Act 2009: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2009/12
Electoral Administration Act 2006: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/22/contents
Verified: 2025/06/12
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections b . Regional elections c . Local elections d . Referendums
Comments: The UK’s electoral law is comprehensive, covering national, regional, and local elections, as well as referendums. It is implemented through a combination of primary legislation, secondary regulations, and administrative guidance.
1. National Elections:
UK Parliamentary General Elections (e.g., electing Members of Parliament to the House of Commons).
By-elections for vacant parliamentary seats.
2. Referendums:
National referendums (e.g., the 2016 EU Referendum).
Local referendums under specific legal frameworks.
3. Local Elections:
Elections for local councils, mayors, and local authorities in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland 1.
Includes elections for county councils, unitary authorities, metropolitan boroughs, and district councils.
4. Regional Elections:
Devolved legislatures: Scottish Parliament, Senedd Cymru (Welsh Parliament), and Northern Ireland Assembly.
Mayoral elections in combined authority areas (e.g., Greater Manchester, West Midlands).
Source: Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Act 2011: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2011/1/contents/enacted
Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/41/contents
Representation of the People Act 1983: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1983/2
Political Parties and Elections Act 2009: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2009/12
Electoral Administration Act 2006: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/22/contents
Verified: 2025/06/12
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
a . Voting is voluntary
Comments:
Source: Representation of the People Act 1983, Part 1, Article 1(1-2): https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1983/2
The Electoral Commission, "Which elections can you vote in?," https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/which-elections-can-i-vote
Verified: 2025/06/12
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
a . Judiciary
Comments: Art 120:
1) No parliamentary election and no return to Parliament shall be questioned except by a
petition complaining of an undue election or undue return (“a parliamentary election
petition”) presented in accordance with this Part of this Act.
(2) A petition complaining of no return shall be deemed to be a parliamentary election
petition and the High Court—
(a) may make such order on the petition as they think expedient for compelling
a return to be made; or
(b) may allow the petition to be heard by an election court as provided with respect
to ordinary election petitions.
Source: Representation of the People Act 1983, Art. 120, 123: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1983/2
Verified: 2025/06/12
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level b . Regional level c . Local level d . Other kinds of elections (church, union, etc.) Please specify.
Comments:
Source: Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, Art. 5: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/41/section/5
Verified: 2025/06/12
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
d . A national government department
Comments: Article 13(6): The total expenditure incurred in any financial year by the Commission in performing their functions under subsection (1) (whether by making grants or otherwise) shall not exceed such sum as is for the time being specified for the purposes of this subsection by an order made by the Secretary of State with the consent of the Treasury.
13(8) Subsection (6) shall not apply to the expenditure incurred by the Commission in performing their functions exercisable [in relation to local government elections in Scotland];
13(12) Subsection (6) shall not apply to the expenditure incurred by the Commission to the extent that it is, or is to be, met under [paragraph 16A of Schedule 1 to this Act or] paragraph 6 of Schedule 2 to the Government of Wales Act 2006.]
Source: Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, Art. 13(6): https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/41/section/13
Verified: 2025/06/12
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
d . A national government department
Comments: Article 13(6): The total expenditure incurred in any financial year by the Commission in performing their functions under subsection (1) (whether by making grants or otherwise) shall not exceed such sum as is for the time being specified for the purposes of this subsection by an order made by the Secretary of State with the consent of the Treasury.
Article 12(9): The Secretary of State may by order made with the consent of the Treasury vary the sum for the time being specified in subsection.
Source: Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, Art. 12, 13: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/41/section/13
Verified: 2025/06/12
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
b . For a specified number of years
Comments: Article 3(3): Such an Address shall specify the period (not exceeding 10 years) for which each proposed Electoral Commissioner to whom the Address relates is to hold office as such Commissioner or (as the case may be) the period for which the proposed chairman of the Commission is to hold office as such chairman.
Source: Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, Art. 3: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/41/section/3
Verified: 2025/06/12
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
b . Independent
Comments: The Electoral Commission is an independent electoral management body. The commissioners are selected by parliament and approved by the acting Monarch as pursuant with the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act (2000). In Schedule 1 Article 1 of the previous act, it states "The Commission shall not be regarded—
(a)as the servant or agent of the Crown, or
(b)as enjoying any status, immunity or privilege of the Crown.
Source: The Electoral Commission: https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/about-us/our-commissioners-and-teams/selecting-our-commissioners
Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, Part I & Schedule 1: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/41/part/I
Verified: 2025/06/12
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
a . 1 - 10 members (specify)
Comments: Article 1(3): There shall be nine or ten Electoral Commissioners.
Source: Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, Art. 1(3): https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/41/part/I
Verified: 2025/06/12
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
c . Combination of partisanship and expertise
Comments: There are various internal requirements that control the selection of commissioners. First, one commissioner must represent Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, respectively (three total). Second, each of the largest three parties puts forth a candidate while the remaining parties put forth a fourth potential commissioner. The remaining are chosen by parliament. On the Electoral Commission's webpage, they describe the ten Commissioners as each having "different political backgrounds and experience" which "ensures broad representation and balanced views."
Source: Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, Schedule I: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/41/schedule/1
The Electoral Commission: https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/about-us/our-commissioners-and-teams/our-commissioners
Verified: 2025/06/12
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
a . Head of State
Comments: Article 1(4): The Electoral Commissioners shall be appointed by [the Monarch] (in accordance with section 3)."
However, this is largely a ceremonial role with Parliament selecting candidates for the acting monarch to appoint.
Source: Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, Part 1 & Schedule 1: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/41/part/I
Verified: 2025/06/12
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
a . National Electoral Management Body c . Local/County Electoral Management Bodies d . National Government f . Local Governments g . NGOs/ Civic Organizations h . Political parties/ candidates i . Media
Comments: The Electoral Commission is responsible for promoting public awareness and education around the electoral systems in the U.K. - The Electoral Commission is the primary body responsible for national voter information campaigns. It runs public education campaigns, provides guidance on voter registration, ID requirements, and voting procedures.
- Local Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and Returning Officers provide localized information, such as polling station locations and local voting logistics.
- The UK Government, particularly the Cabinet Office, supports national campaigns and policy implementation, especially around new voting requirements (e.g., voter ID).
- National and local media outlets play a significant role in disseminating voter information, often amplifying official messages and deadlines.
- NGOs/Civil Organizations: Groups like Democracy Club, Unlock Democracy, and others run independent campaigns to raise awareness and encourage voter participation.
- While their primary goal is campaigning, political parties also inform voters about how and where to vote, especially in targeted constituencies.
Source: Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, Article 13: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/41/section/13
Verified: 2025/06/16
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
a . Continuously
Comments:
Source: Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, Article 13: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/41/section/13
Official Website of Parliament: http://www.parliament.uk/education/
The Electoral Commission: https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/
Verified: 2025/06/16
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
b . Yes, conducted by the National Electoral Management Body e . Yes, conducted by the Government
Comments: Art 13(1) The Commission shall promote public awareness of—
a) current electoral systems in the United Kingdom and any pending such systems, together with such matters connected with any such existing or pending systems as the Commission may determine; marking of ballot papers in any election mentioned in section 9A
Source: Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, Article 13: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/41/section/13
The Electoral Commission: https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/
Verified: 2025/06/16
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
c . 18
Comments:
Source: Representation of the People Act 1969 (c.15)
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1969/630/pdfs/uksi_19690630_en.pdf
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1969/904/pdfs/uksi_19690904_en.pdf
Representation of the People Act 1983, Art. 1(c)
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1983/2/contents/data.pdf
Verified: 2025/06/16
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship e . Other
Comments: a) Commonwealth citizenship;
e) Registration in the register of parliamentary electors for that constituency;
Not subject to any legal incapacity to vote
Source: Representation of the People Act 1983, Art. 1
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1983/2/contents/data.pdf
Verified: 2025/06/16
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
c . Local Government Authority
Comments: c) Electoral Registration Offices
Source: Representation of the People Act 1983, Art. 8
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1983/2/contents/data.pdf
Verified: 2025/06/16
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Citizens are legally obliged to respond to requests for registration information from their local electoral registration office. If they do not respond, or if they provide false information, they may receive a £1,000 fine. Not being registered may also affect their credit rating. However, citizens may register anonymously. If one is registered anonymously, instead of one’s name and address appearing on the electoral register, a code will be added to the register instead.
Source: The Representation of the People (England and Wales) Regulations 2001, art. 23;
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2001/341/contents/data.pdf
https://www.yourvotematters.co.uk/faq/registering-to-vote
Verified: 2025/06/16
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
f . Other
Comments: b) Political parties must register with the Electoral Commission if they wish their party name and emblem to appear on the ballot paper. Otherwise a candidate can be on the paper either as a "independent candidate" or with no description.
Parties can only be registered if party candidates will be put up to contest elections. Otherwise, candidates can stand as independents and they don’t need to register a political party to stand for election
Once registered, a party’s name, description and emblem can appear on the ballot paper alongside the name of its candidate
Source: Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2022, Art. 28;
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/41/section/28#commentary-key-e27b2b20645410eba82524ec4149f891
Official Website of the Electoral Commission: Electoral Commission’s “Introduction to registering a political party”: (2017)
https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/political-registration-and-regulation/political-party-registration
Verified: 2025/06/17
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship
Comments: Art. 17(a) 18 years old
Art. 18(a) a qualifying Commonwealth citizen, or
Art. 18(b) a citizen of the Republic of Ireland.
Source: Electoral Administration Act 2006, Art. 17-18
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/22/part/5
Verified: 2025/06/17
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
c . In legislative elections (Chamber 1)
Comments:
Source: Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (as amended, 2025), art. 22;
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/41/section/28#commentary-key-e27b2b20645410eba82524ec4149f891
Political Parties and Elections Act 2009;
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2009/12/contents
Electoral Administration Act 2006
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/22/part/5
Verified: 2025/06/17
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Direct c . Indirect
Comments: Public funding is provided:
- to opposition parties to facilitate their parliamentary opposition functions;
- Parties in Parliament are entitled to £2m between them as "Policy Development Grant";
Direct Public Funding:
- Short Money: Provided to opposition parties in the House of Commons to support their parliamentary work.
- Cranborne Money: Similar funding for opposition parties in the House of Lords.
- Policy Development Grants: Offered to help parties develop policies for inclusion in their manifestos.
Indirect Funding
- Includes free broadcasting time during election campaigns and subsidised postage for election communications.
- Private funding is unlimited provided that the donor is "legal" (foreign donors not allowed), and comes from membership fees, donations (from individuals, companies, and trade unions), and loans.
Source: Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, Part IV, Section 50-71; Part V, Section 72-88; Part VI, Section 89-100, Part IX, Section 131-148; Section 12, part 1.
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/41/part/IV
Representation of the People Act 1983
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1983/2/contents
Electoral Administration Act 2006, Part 7, Art.91-98
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/22/part/7
House of Commons and Lords Resolutions
https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/SN07137/SN07137.pdf
Verified: 2025/06/17
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
e . Other
Comments: e) Largest party criteria other than ruling party; "Policy Development Grants"
Art. 12 Policy development grants.
(1) For the purposes of this section—
(a) “a policy development grant” is a grant to a represented registered party to
assist the party with the development of policies for inclusion in any manifesto
Source: Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, Art. 12;
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/41/data.pdf
Representation of the People Act 1983, Art. 91 - 98
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1983/2/contents/data.pdf
Verified: 2025/06/23
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, Part IV;
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/41/data.pdf
Electoral Administration Act 2006, Part 7: Art. 55 - 63;
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/22/part/7
Representation of the People Act 1983, Art. 71A - 90D
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1983/2/contents/data.pdf
Verified: 2025/06/23
Vote Counting
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
c . Special counting centres
Comments: 43(1) As soon as practicable after the close of the poll, the presiding officer shall, in the presence of the polling agents, make up into separate packets, sealed with his own seal and the seals of such polling agents as desire to affix their seals—
(a)each ballot box in use at the station, sealed so as to prevent the introduction of additional ballot papers and unopened, but with the key attached,
(b)the unused and spoilt ballot papers placed together,
(c)the tendered ballot papers,
(d)the marked copies of the register of electors
44(1) The returning officer shall make arrangements for counting the votes in the presence of the counting agents as soon as practicable after the close of the poll, and shall give to the counting agents notice in writing of the time and place at which he will begin to count the votes.
45(1)The returning officer shall—
(a)in the presence of the counting agents open each ballot box and count and record the number of ballot papers in it;
(b)in the presence of the election agents verify each ballot paper account; and
(c)count such of the postal ballot papers as have been duly returned and record the number counted.
(1A) The returning officer shall not count the votes given on any ballot papers until—
(a)in the case of postal ballot papers, they have been mixed with the ballot papers from at least one ballot box, and
(b)in the case of ballot papers from a ballot box, they have been mixed with the ballot papers from at least one other ballot box.]
54(1) On the completion of the counting at a contested election the returning officer shall seal up in separate packets the counted and rejected ballot papers.
(2) The returning officer shall not open the sealed packets of—
(a)tendered ballot papers,
(aa)tendered postal ballot papers,
(b)the completed corresponding number lists,
Source: Representation of the People Act 1983, Schedule 1, Art. 43, 44, 45, 54
Verified: 2025/06/23
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
f . Other
Comments: 46(1) "A candidate or his election agent may, if present when the counting or any recount of the votes is completed, require the returning officer to have the votes recounted or again recounted but the returning officer may refuse to do so if in his opinion the request is unreasonable."
Source: Representation of the People Act 1983, Schedule 1, Art. 46
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1983/2/schedule/1/paragraph/46
Verified: 2025/06/23
Media and Elections
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
e . As agreed by special committee
Comments: The Broadcasters' Liaison Group was formed in 1997 and comprises of representatives of each of the broadcasters who make airtime available to registered political parties and to designated organisations in referendum campaigns.
Each broadcaster is responsible for deciding the allocations made available to a political party. However, through the BLG, broadcasters work together with the Electoral Commission to ensure a consistent approach.
Meetings of the BLG are chaired by the BBC's Chief Adviser, Politics.
The group meets from time to time to co-ordinate the criteria which each broadcaster applies in determining the amount of airtime to be made available.
Broadcasting opportunities made available to political parties fall into three categories:
Party Election Broadcasts (PEBs), which are offered to qualifying political parties, registered with the Electoral Commission, in the run-up to elections
Party Political Broadcasts (PPBs)
Ministerial Broadcasts, which, in exceptional circumstance, are offered to the government followed normally, by responses by the main opposition parties.
There is no free printed advertisement space allocated to political parties, but the postage is paid for each candidate to send out a mail-shot in the constituency they are standing in. The candidates, however, must pay for the cost of the printing of the mail-shot.
As required by section 11(3) of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, this criteria for allocating party election broadcasts must be sent to the Electoral Commission for comment.
Source: Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, art. 11(3)
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/41/data.pdf
Official Website of the Broadcasters Liaison Group:(2015)
http://www.broadcastersliaisongroup.org.uk/
Verified: 2025/06/23
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
b . Yes, in legislative elections
Comments:
Source: UK Parliament House of Commons Library - General Election television debates research briefing
https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/sn05241/
History and future of TV Election Debates in the UK (2017):
https://historyandpolicy.org/opinion-articles/articles/the-history-and-future-of-televised-election-debates-in-britain/
Verified: 2025/06/23
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
h . Not applicable
Comments: Opinion polls may be published up to polling day, but exit polls can only be published after the close of poll.
The Representation of the People Act 1983 prohibits the publication of the results of polls conducted on Election Day whilst voting is taking place. This is outlined in Ofcom’s (the communication services regulator) Broadcasting Code.
"185.The Representation of the People Act 1983 prohibits, before the poll for an election has closed, the publication of the following:
“(a) any statement relating to the way in which voters have voted at the election where that statement is (or might reasonably be taken to be) based on information given by voters after they have voted, or
(b) any forecast as to the result of the election which is (or might reasonably be taken to be) based on information so given.”
186. Aside from these provisions, there is no legal regulation of polling in the UK. Instead, most of the polling organisations belong to one or both of two industry bodies which require them to comply with their codes of conduct: the British Polling Council (BPC) and the Market Research Society (MRS)."
Source: United Kingdom Parliament: The Politics of Polling, Ch. 5: Oversight of polling
https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld201719/ldselect/ldppdm/106/10608.htm
Ofcom, Section six: elections and referendums (2024):
https://www.ofcom.org.uk/tv-radio-and-on-demand/broadcast-standards/section-six-elections-referendums
Verified: 2025/06/23
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Before elections and referendums, there is a regulated period for the campaign that puts a limit on spending. These limits apply to candidates, political parties and non-party campaigners.
Spending limits vary for different elections.
Each election the Electoral Commission publishes an updated "Guidance on Campaign Spending" with details on the limits parties can spend on party spending and candidate spending.
"Returning Officers must receive spending returns from all candidates by a certain date, which varies depending on the election. The Returning Officer is then responsible for making the returns available for public inspection." (UK Electoral Commission, 2015)
Source: Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (as amended), Schedule 9;
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/41/data.pdf
United Kingdom Electoral Commission (2015):
http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/find-information-by-subject/political-parties-campaigning-and-donations/candidate-spending-and-donations-at-elections
Verified: 2025/06/25
Direct Democracy
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Parliament can call for a UK wide, national referendum or English Regional referendums to be held under a generic piece of legislation called the Political Parties Elections and Referendums Act 2000. It is generic legislation for all UK, national and regional referendums. Further subsequent legislation is required before a referendum can actually be held.
Source: Political Parties Elections and Referendums Act 2000, Section 101
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/41/section/101
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008)
http://www.idea.int/sites/default/files/publications/direct-democracy-the-international-idea-handbook.pdf
Verified: 2025/06/30
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Political Parties elections and referendums Act 2000, Part VII. The Conduct Regulations
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/41/part/VII
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008)
http://www.idea.int/sites/default/files/publications/direct-democracy-the-international-idea-handbook.pdf
Verified: 2025/06/30
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Political Parties elections and referendums Act 2000, Part VII. The Conduct Regulations
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/41/part/VII
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/sites/default/files/publications/direct-democracy-the-international-idea-handbook.pdf
Verified: 2025/06/30
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: Referendums in the UK are held at the discretion of Parliament, meaning they must be authorized through legislation passed by Parliament.
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008)
http://www.idea.int/sites/default/files/publications/direct-democracy-the-international-idea-handbook.pdf
Verified: 2025/06/30
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: There is no formal legal mechanism for citizens to compel Parliament to place a specific issue on its legislative agenda through a public initiative.
The closest equivalent is the UK Parliament petitions system, where:
- Petitions with 10,000+ signatures receive a government response.
- Petitions with 100,000+ signatures are considered for debate in Parliament.
However, these debates do not guarantee legislative action and are non-binding.
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008)
http://www.idea.int/sites/default/files/publications/direct-democracy-the-international-idea-handbook.pdf
Verified: 2025/06/30
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008)
http://www.idea.int/sites/default/files/publications/direct-democracy-the-international-idea-handbook.pdf
Verified: 2025/06/30
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
b . Sometimes binding
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008)
http://www.idea.int/sites/default/files/publications/direct-democracy-the-international-idea-handbook.pdf
Political Parties Elections and Referendums Act 2000
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/41/contents
Verified: 2025/06/30
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
c . Both constitutional and other issues
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008)
http://www.idea.int/sites/default/files/publications/direct-democracy-the-international-idea-handbook.pdf
Political Parties Elections and Referendums Act 2000
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/41/contents
Verified: 2025/06/30
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008)
http://www.idea.int/sites/default/files/publications/direct-democracy-the-international-idea-handbook.pdf
Local Government Act 2000. Part II
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/22/contents
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/22/part/II/crossheading/referendums
Verified: 2025/06/30
Voting Operations
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
a . At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections f . By mail h . By proxy i . By tendered ballot
Comments:
Source: Representation of the People Act 1983, Art. 118, Schedule 1: Art. 24, 40
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1983/2/contents
Electoral Administration Act 2006, Art. 35, 37, 38, 40
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/22/contents
https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/your-election-information
https://wealdentest.wealden.gov.uk/voting-and-elections/electoral-registration-and-voting-frequently-asked-questions/
https://www.yourvotematters.co.uk/how-do-i-vote/voting-in-person (2017)
Verified: 2025/06/30
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
b . Citizens residing outside the country c . Citizens outside the country (including those on vacation) d . Members of the armed forces e . Students f . Diplomatic staff g . Other
Comments: e) Over 21 years old
Source: Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, Section 141
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/41/data.pdf
https://www.yourvotematters.co.uk/can-i-vote/overseas (2017)
Verified: 2025/06/30
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
d . By proxy e . By mail
Comments:
Source: Representation of the People Act 1983, art. 19, Schedule 1, Art. 24, 40;
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1983/2/contents
https://www.yourvotematters.co.uk/can-i-vote/overseas (2017)
Verified: 2025/06/30
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots
Comments:
Source: Representation of the People Act 1983, Schedule 1, Art. 19;
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1983/2/contents
Electoral Administration Act 2006, Schedule 1 Amendments, Part 1, Article 93
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/22/contents
Verified: 2025/06/30
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