A Step Forward for Voting Access – But Not Far Enough

At face value, this could be a landmark step forward. Ministers say the new system will harness existing government data to reduce bureaucracy and help more people get on the electoral roll. If implemented well, it could enfranchise millions – particularly groups consistently underrepresented in our democracy, like young people, renters, and ethnic minority voters.

The Electoral Commission has already welcomed the change, noting that around 8 million people in the UK are either not registered or registered at the wrong address. That’s a staggering number in a country that prides itself on democratic participation.

A Step We’ve Long Needed

At Open Britain, we’ve been calling for reform like this for years. For too long, the UK has operated one of the most burdensome voter registration systems in the democratic world.

A recent University of Manchester study ranked the UK near the bottom for accessibility. For many – especially those who move often or feel disconnected from politics – registering to vote has become an unnecessary hurdle. Automated registration could help dismantle that barrier.

So far, so good. But there’s a catch.

Automated ≠ Automatic

The Government’s plan mentions automated registration – not automatic registration. That might sound like a technical distinction, but it’s a meaningful one.

• Automated registration simplifies the process, but still requires the individual to take action.

• Automatic registration flips the default: every eligible citizen is added to the roll unless they choose to opt out.

That difference matters. For those juggling work, housing insecurity, and everyday pressures, even a simplified registration system might still be one step too many. Automatic registration, by contrast, reflects the urgency of full inclusion. It says: you belong in this democracy.

As things stand, it appears people will still need to confirm their inclusion. That risks leaving the same groups behind – again.

A Welcome Promise – But Where’s the Plan?

There’s also a problem with timing and transparency. The reform is pegged to a future Elections Bill, but right now there’s:

• No date

• No draft legislation

• No clarity on how data will be shared, protected, or used to reach those most at risk of exclusion

This vagueness leaves campaigners questioning whether the policy will be in place – and working – in time for the next General Election or other major votes.

And if the goal is to rebuild trust in politics, how this is delivered matters just as much as what is delivered.

Doing It Right

Effective reform requires three things:

1. Transparency about data and privacy

2. Deliberate outreach to the communities most often excluded

3. Genuine public consultation – not just closed-door decisions by ministers

Democracy groups are watching closely. IPPR has described this as potentially the biggest electoral reform since 1969 – but only if it’s followed through with care and ambition. The Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust has outlined a clear path to full automatic registration, using existing DWP records and trusted notification systems. These ideas are practical, tested, and achievable.

Progress – But Only If It’s Real

This is a promising step. But it’s also a test. Will the Government deliver on its promise to make our democracy more inclusive? Or is this just another headline without follow-through?

The months ahead will provide the answer. What we can’t afford is yet another cycle of promising headlines and disappointing realities.

The opportunity is here. Let’s hope it’s not wasted.