Elections: Signatures

Lord Greaves
asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the proposals for electors to provide a signature at polling stations will be introduced for the elections in May 2007; and, if not, what are the reasons. [HL788]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs (Baroness Ashton of Upholland)
The Government have recently become aware of growing concern among electoral administrators about whether polling station officials would have the right to withhold a ballot paper from an elector who refused to provide a signature.

After careful consideration of the relevant provision in the Electoral Administration Act 2006, the Government agree that the lack of a clear sanction for a polling station official to withhold a ballot paper in these circumstances may give rise to confusion, inconsistency of practice, and potential legal challenge. Accordingly, the Government have decided not to commence signing at a polling station until such a sanction can be brought forward. As such a sanction will require primary legislation, it will not be practicable to commence signing at a polling station for elections scheduled for May 2007.

The Electoral Commission, which has a key role in providing returning officers and electoral administrators with advice and guidance has been formally advised that legislation for signing at a polling station will not be commenced for 3 May 2007 and, therefore, no request of signatures from electors in polling stations should be made until further notice.