Thread by @electoralreform

This afternoon the Commons is debating the Government's controversial #ElectionsBill. This bill will reduce the independence of the Electoral Commission, ban those without the right ID from voting and change the electoral system for Mayors and PCCs electoral-reform.org.uk/the-government…

Banning those without the right sorts of ID from voting could cost up to £180,000,000 a decade, with millions alone being spent on bigger poll cards to explain the complicated rules. Around 2.1 million people lack the necessary ID according to the government’s own research.

Disadvantaged groups, like the unemployed, those renting from a local authority and disabled people are less likely to have ID. The bill expects them to travel to, sometimes distant, local council offices to request alternative forms of ID.
electoral-reform.org.uk/expensive-vote…

The forms of ID that are allowed make it easier for some groups than others - the 60+ Oyster Card will be accepted, but not the 18+ photo Oyster Card. standard.co.uk/news/politics/…

On top of these new rules, the #ElectionsBill will allow the government to set the priorities of the Electoral Commission. Our currently independent elections regulator will have its priorities set by the people it regulates. electoral-reform.org.uk/these-governme…

Finally, the government slipped an amendment in after most scrutiny had happened that will change the way Mayors and PCCs are elected to their benefit. electoral-reform.org.uk/sweeping-undem…

Imposing First Past the Post on London's Mayoral elections will make it easier for a candidate to win with less support - and ignores the referendum that set up the London Mayor and Assembly which saw 72% voting in favour.

The #ElectionsBill debate is scheduled to start at 3.30 and can be watched here parliamentlive.tv/Commons

Most of the #ElectionsBill received no pre-legislative scrutiny and there has been no formal public consultation on the bill as a whole. The third reading is going to start late, reducing what little debate there can be.

The debate on the #ElectionsBill has finally started, three hours later than planned. You can watch it here: parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/ec…

Cat Smith MP has raised the problem of recruiting volunteer poll workers when their role will be expanded to turning voters away.

The Government have gone through the amendments they are proposing and now the Opposition are speaking.

Alex Norris is highlighting the problems those in rural communities will face having to attend distant townhalls to apply for elector cards.

As David Davis MP said earlier today "When you already face problems such as... making sure there’s food on the table, or caring for elderly relatives, finding time to go to the council... will be the least of your worries." opendemocracy.net/en/opendemocra…

Voter ID will result in people being turned away, which could be enough to swing the results on an election. @lloyd_rm highlights the risks

Shadow Minister @AlexNorrisNN is rounding up his introduction to their amendments with a criticism of the way the bill has been produced, with major changes introduced with no consultation "this is a bad bill, with solutions that are looking for problems"

@AlexNorrisNN "It will make it harder for citizens to vote, harder for civil society to contribute - the only winners in here are those with the deepest pockets" @AlexNorrisNN

Next up is Shadow Deputy SNP Spokesperson @BrendanOHaraMP who speaks out against the fundamental threats to our democracy contained in the Elections Bill.

Speaking about the amendments they support, @BrendanOHaraMP highlights the current unfairness in the franchise for 16 and 17 year olds - "Why is it okay for Scotland and Wales, but not okay for England and Northern Ireland?"

Labour MP @CatSmithMP makes an important intervention: rather than restricting access to the vote with voter ID, "one of the ways we can make our democracy more secure is to encourage more people to participate in our democracy", such as by extending the franchise to 16 and 17yos

SNP MP @BrendanOHaraMP is now speaking to the proposed amendment on a Citizens' Assembly on proportional representation - "it wouldn't be a step into the unknown, because citizens' assemblies have been shown to work in Scotland and many democracies in the world use them"

Liberal Democrat Spokesperson @amcarmichaelMP speaking in favour of their amendment on proportional representation for the House of Commons "it is the existence of [safe seats] that without making any real effort creates this sense of entitlement" among MPs at Westminster.

Speaking earlier during the debate, Conservative MP and ERS member @ChrisClarksonMP expresses sympathy with the SNP amendment on a Citizens' Assembly on Proportional Representation, but says he will not be voting for it as part of this bill.

And here is @amcarmichaelMP moving the amendment on proportional representation for elections to the House of Commons - PR would lead to "the restoration of the standing of this House in public life."

Labour's @Valerie_VazMP quoting the ERS's concerns before raising parliamentary opposition to the bill "two committees of the house have said the government have not provided enough evidence for these changes."

Speaking earlier during the debate, Conservative MP and ERS member @ChrisClarksonMP expresses sympathy with the SNP amendment on a Citizens' Assembly on Proportional Representation, but says he will not be voting for it as part of this bill.

"This bill as drafted has almost, absolutely nothing to say about the acute issue of secretive campaign finance filtering into British politics." - @DeidreBrock of the SNP on the issue of the lack of regulation on unincorporated associations funding politics.

Labour's @CatSmithMP on the risk of #voterID versus the low level of fraud: "Ultimately it comes down to what is proportionate [...] is the requirement to show ID proportionate to the scale of the crime that is happening".

.@CatSmithMP continues on the threat posed to the independence of the @ElectoralCommUK by the bill "It is important that the public, that the voters have the confidence in an independent Electoral Commission. The act of this #ElectionsBill will throw this into doubt."