The Elections Act 2022, passed by government and which received Royal Assent on 28 April 2022, brings about changes which will be introduced in stages.
Elections Act changes which were in force for local elections on 4 May 2023 (impacting York votes for Ward and Parish councillors):
- require voter identification at polling stations
- improve accessibility at polling stations
Information about these changes will appear on poll cards; get more information on Voter ID from Electoral Commission.
Elections Act changes which came into force after May 2023 (affecting any elections in 2024 onwards):
- the way postal votes, proxy votes and absent votes are handled
- registration for overseas electors
Elections Act changes which will come into force on 7 May 2024 will address:
- voting and candidacy rights for EU citizens
Until the new legislation is 'passed', current arrangements for voter franchise will remain, that includes for European Union citizens and the current limitations of overseas electors permitted period for registering to vote.
Find information on the act from the Department of Levelling Up and Housing and Community: Greater protections for voters as government’s Elections Bill achieves Royal Assent (GOV.UK).
Also see