MINISTRY OF JUSTICE
News Release (061/07) issued by The Government News Network on 30
May 2007
Victims of
stalking and domestic violence will benefit from new legislation
coming into force this week designed to protect people at risk if
their details appear on the electoral register.
From June 1 those at risk can apply to their local authority in
England and Wales to be registered anonymously while still being
able to vote.
Lynne, who suffered seven years of violence and abuse from her
ex-husband, said:
"My abusive ex-husband tracked me down to my new address and
used to intimidate me by driving up and down the street. It never
crossed my mind he may have got my details from the electoral
roll. Knowing I can now register anonymously and not lose out on
the right to vote will make me, and other people in my situation,
feel a lot safer."
Elections Minister Bridget Prentice, said:
"Anonymous registration allows even the most vulnerable
member of society to exercise their right to vote while giving
them the security and peace of mind to know their identity is
being protected."
The new regulations have been produced with guidance from
organisations such as Victim Support and Rights of Women.
Ranjit Kaur, Director at Rights of Women, said:
"We know many women who have experienced violence live in
fear of being tracked down by the perpetrators through the
electoral register. Anonymous registration will make this more
difficult and hopefully will allow women to live their lives free
from the further threat of violence."
There are strict criteria for registration. Anyone wanting to
register their details anonymously must provide evidence such as
an order under the Family Law Act 1996 or the Protection from
Harassment Act 1997. If an application is granted, the details
that appear on the register only have a person's electoral
number and the letter N.
Joanna Perry, Policy Manager, Victim Support said:
"Anonymous registration is a big step forward for people who
are in fear of their safety, or even their life. We know of
situations where a perpetrator has subsequently found the victim
and caused considerable distress or further harm, and in some
situations killed them.
"So it is vital that victims who live in fear are informed
of the option to register anonymously and still participate in the
right to vote that is available to us all."
Notes to Editors
1. The Electoral Administration Bill was
introduced in Parliament in October 2005 and became an Act in July
2006. For full details of the effects of the Electoral
Administration Act visit: http://www.dca.gov.uk/legist/electadmin.htm
2. Copies of the Act are available from http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2006/20060022.htm
http://www.justice.gov.uk