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Ballot Secrecy Bill [HL]
[As Introduced]

A

bill

to

Make provision for ensuring the secrecy of ballots cast in polling stations at elections; to require the Secretary of State to publish related guidance; and for connected purposes.

B e it enacted by the Queen’s most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:—

1 Ballot secrecy


After section 60 of the Representation of the People Act 1983, insert the
following—


“60A Accompanying or positioning near an elector


(1)

Subject to paragraph 39 of Schedule 1, a person is guilty of an offence
if they—


(a)

accompany an elector into a polling booth, or


(b)

position near an elector inside a polling station with the
intention of influencing how he or she casts their vote.


(2)

A person is guilty of a corrupt practice if he or she commits an offence
under subsection (1).


(3)

This section does not apply if the person accompanying or positioning
near the elector is under 18 years of age.”

2 Extent, commencement and short title

(1)

This Act extends to England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

(2)

This Act comes into force at the end of the period of two months beginning
with the day on which it is passed.

(3)

This Act may be cited as the Ballot Secrecy Act 2022.

Ballot Secrecy Bill [HL]
[As Introduced]

A

bill

to

Make provision for ensuring the secrecy of ballots cast in polling stations at elections; to require the Secretary of State to publish related guidance; and for connected purposes.

Lord Hayward

Ordered to be Printed, .

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