Archived decisions

ELECTORAL COMMISSION CONSULTATIONS - THE CYCLE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS IN ENGLAND, AND MINIMUM VOTING AND CANDIDACY AGE

1. The Cabinet has responded on behalf of the County Council to consultation papers issued by the Electoral Commission on the cycle of local government elections in England, and the minimum voting age and candidacy age for elections and referendums in the United Kingdom.

2. The Government has invited the Commission to review the cycle of elections and identify options for change that would simplify the current arrangements. The Government's aim is to improve voter awareness of when elections take place thereby encouraging greater engagement. Currently, as Members will be aware, voting hours and the run up to elections, vary according to the type of election taking place. Electors in different parts of England may be able to vote between one and four times in each four-year electoral cycle depending on where they live. The Cabinet has examined again the arguments for, respectively, partial, and whole council, elections, many of which have been rehearsed previously. Whilst noting the arguments put forward in support of partial elections, such as more frequent opportunities for electors to exercise their right to vote, and (it is claimed) more immediate political accountability, the Cabinet remains of the view that on balance whole council elections, combined with other elections, as appropriate, are more likely to result in stable government and community satisfaction with local democratic arrangements and service provision.

3. As regards the minimum age question, the Cabinet has taken the view that in the interests of consistency, a common voting/candidacy age of 18 would be most appropriate.

T.K. THORNBER, CBE

Leader