Voting systems in the UK
Voting systems in the UK vary by election. Some elections use first past the post, some use single transferable vote and others use proportional methods.
Representation of the People Bill: progress of the bill
This briefing tracks the progress of the bill to introduce votes at 16, automatic voter registration, tighten the rules on political donations and allow bank cards to be used as voter ID.
Representation of the People Bill 2024-26
The bill’s proposals include lowering the voting age to 16 for all elections, allowing for automated electoral registration and making changes to political donations rules.
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Research Briefing
Election glossary
Elections use many technical terms. This briefing gives a glossary of election related terms.
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Research Briefing
By-election timetables
Election rules state elections must be held using a set timetable. This briefing explains the timetable for by-elections to the UK Parliament.
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Research Briefing
Overseas voters
Overseas voters are British citizens living overseas registered to vote in UK Parliament elections. This briefing explains overseas voters' eligibility and voting.
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Research Briefing
Intimidation of candidates and voters
Abuse towards candidates and election staff has been rising. This briefing outlines proposed responses. It also explains the offences of undue influence and family voting.
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Research Briefing
Recall elections
Recall allows voters to remove an elected representative between elections by signing a petition. This briefing explains how UK recall petitions work.
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Research Briefing
Pre-election period of sensitivity
Public resources cannot be used for party political campaigning at any time. At elections ministers will normally observe discretion over announcements or decisions that could influence voters.
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Research Briefing
Is there a by-election when an MP changes party?
When an MP defects to another party, this is called 'crossing the floor'. Crossing the floor does not usually trigger a by-election in the MP's constituency.
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Research Briefing
Electoral Commission strategy and policy statement
The UK Government has announced it intends to abolish the power for the government to set a strategy and policy statement for the Electoral Commission.
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Research Briefing
Weekend voting
Polling day for UK elections is usually Thursday and cannot be held at a weekend. Weekend voting pilots are being held in four areas in local elections in May 2026.
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Research Briefing
Electoral registers and access to them
Registers list who has registered to vote. This briefing explains registration, who has access to registers and proposals for automation to improve registration rates.
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Research Briefing
Flexible voting pilots
The UK Government has authorised pilot schemes to take place at local elections in England in May 2026. These will test new ways of polling station voting.
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Research Briefing
Anonymous electoral registration
This note outlines the current requirements for anonymous electoral registration
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