What does the elections bill mean for the next general election?

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The government has introduced the Representation of the People Bill to lower the voting age to 16, change how electoral rules are enforced and – potentially – introduce new restrictions on political donations. But embedding new processes for registering to vote, changing how electoral rules are enforced, and ensuring there is clear information for 16- and 17-year-olds will all take time – and affect the work of the Electoral Commission, local authorities, schools, civil society groups and others in the run-up to the next general election.  

So, what needs to happen after the Bill gets Royal Assent? How will the Bill change the remit of the Electoral Commission – and is the Commission prepared? What do local authorities need to do to get ready? What information will new voters need? And what needs to change culturally as well as administratively?  

To discuss all this and more, the IfG is bringing together an expert panel, including:  

• Harriet Andrews, Director of The Politics Project  
• John Pullinger, Chair of the Electoral Commission
• Clare Sim, Head of Member Support at the Association of Electoral Administrators (joining remotely)

The event will be chaired by Dr Rebecca McKee, Senior Researcher at the Institute for Government.

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