Statement: UK Parliamentary General Election

31 Oct 2019 03:03 PM

Following the House of Commons’ vote in favour of an early UK Parliamentary general election on 12 December, Bob Posner, Chief Executive at the Electoral Commission, yesterday said: 

“The House of Commons has voted in favour of an early UK Parliamentary general election. Subject to votes in the House of Lords and Royal Assent, this will take place on 12 December. The electoral community is preparing to deliver the poll. 

“In order to maintain voter confidence, it is important that all parties and campaigners comply with the rules and campaign responsibly. Ahead of final confirmation, we will shortly publish updated guidance for candidates, political parties and non-party campaigners to help them comply, and we will monitor compliance throughout. As in every election, we will share donation reports during the campaign and spending reports after the campaign, so voters can see how parties and campaigners are funded and how they spend their money. 

“Anyone not yet registered to vote should apply at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote (Opens in new window) before the registration deadline on 26 November. It only takes a few minutes to complete the application. Those who aren’t able to get to their polling station on 12 December can arrange either a postal or proxy vote.” 

Information about voting at this election is available at www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter

Notes to Editors

The Electoral Commission is the independent body which oversees elections and regulates political finance in the UK. We work to promote public confidence in the democratic process and ensure its integrity by:

• enabling the delivery of free and fair elections and referendums, focusing on the needs of electors and addressing the changing environment to ensure every vote remains secure and accessible
• regulating political finance – taking proactive steps to increase transparency, ensure compliance and pursue breaches
• using our expertise to make and advocate for changes to our democracy, 
• aiming to improve fairness, transparency and efficiency

The Commission was set up in 2000 and reports to the UK and Scottish Parliaments.