Young people could be automatically enrolled on the voting register under plans being explored by the Government, a minister has told Parliament. The proposal aims to increase youth participation in elections by removing barriers to voter registration.
Labour former minister Lord Beamish argued "the only way we're going to get young people and other people on the registry is auto-enrolment". He pressed the Government to take decisive action on the issue during House of Lords discussions.
Government explores automated registration methods
Communities minister Lord Khan of Burnley said the Government will "take steps to move towards" auto-enrolment, though he cautioned that electoral law is "complicated". He outlined plans to actively explore new automated registration methods that would make the process easier for eligible voters.
"We intend to actively explore and test new and more automated methods of registration, including better use of data to identify people who are eligible, and integration with other Government services to make it easier for people to register," Lord Khan told the upper chamber. The minister emphasised the Government's commitment to modernising the registration process.
National insurance link being considered
The minister also revealed the Government is "looking at" placing 16 and 17-year-olds on the electoral register when they receive their national insurance numbers. This proposal came in response to Liberal Democrat peer Lord Rennard, who highlighted a unanimous cross-party recommendation from a House of Lords select committee.
Lord Khan acknowledged this would represent "a major change in the electoral franchise" that requires careful planning. He stressed that "changes to the electoral law of this magnitude require careful planning and should not be rushed" whilst confirming the Government is examining various options.
Schools registration day proposal
Plaid Cymru peer Baroness Smith of Llanfaes called for a national register to vote day for schools. She suggested encouraging young people to register online during their registration classes as a way to boost youth engagement with the democratic process.
Lord Khan described this as "a very strong point" and promised to take the suggestion away for consideration. He added that the Government would "take all measures to ensure that we can make sure people can participate comfortably and positively" in the electoral process.
(PA/London) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
