Hundreds of thousands of voters in Scotland are likely unregistered
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The Electoral Reform Society has called for a major push to bring in the ‘missing millions’ of unregistered voters, with just a few days to go before the April 19 election registration deadline.
The latest figures from the Electoral Commission show 17 percent of eligible voters in Great Britain are not registered at their current address, representing as many as 9.4 million people unable to use their right to vote.
A ‘huge swathe’ of the population is potentially being locked out of this May's election due to a fragmented and outdated system, the Electoral Reform Society is warning, with an estimate that between 630,000-890,000 potential voters are missing in Scotland.
Electoral Commission analysis shows that areas with a high concentration of certain demographics – students, private renters and especially young adults as well as some ethnic minority groups – are particularly in danger of having low registration numbers.
Unlike many countries, voters have to opt into their right to vote in the UK.
Director of Policy and Research at the Electoral Reform Society Dr Jess Garland said: “With just a few days to go until the registration deadline, we need a massive push from public bodies and civil society to ensure everyone is signed up and able to exercise their right to vote on May 6.
“Unfortunately, millions are likely to remain off the register, with many believing they were already signed up, or simply missing communications about the deadline.
"People often assume – quite fairly – that you shouldn’t have to opt in to your right to vote.
“Voting is a public good, and we need to pull out all the stops to ensure the system is fit for purpose.
"It’s a scandal that nine million people are missing from the roll – and it hits young people, renters and some BAME groups particularly hard.
“We need a major voting rights effort.
Director of ERS Scotland Willie Sullivan said: “These figures of nearly 900,000 potentially missing should sound the alarm for anyone who cares about democracy.
"It represents a major barrier to political equality and democratic engagement - and means May’s elections will be on the basis of a flawed franchise.
“You shouldn’t have to opt in to your right to vote.
"As the Electoral Commission has noted, we need to move towards automatic registration now, starting with being able to check you are registered online, and being able to register whenever you engage with government bodies or services.
"There’s widespread consensus on this – now it just needs to be done.
“We urge the Scottish government to explore how it can use its powers to ensure everyone has a stake in our democracy.
“The gaps in registration are creating major inequalities in our elections, with young people and renters particularly affected.
"Parties must respond with action.
"Let’s ensure the next election does not exclude huge swathes of our country and instead represents the gold standard for participation.”
To register to vote visit: www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.
