Electoral Administration Bill

I do not think that there is any cunning intent. We are just trying to be sensible here, and to ensure that everyone gets registered to vote, and that those who have fled domestic violence are not deterred from registering to vote because they fear that they will appear on an electoral register. However, we do not want to introduce a blanket provision under which everyone could sign themselves off the register. We have therefore sought to introduce a special provision that allows for an application for an anonymous registration. However, if the default position, after an application for an anonymous registration runs out or fails ab initio, is that the person goes straight on to the register, our concern is that they will never apply in the first place because they will not have control of the situation. So, this is not perfect; one just has to round the edges one way or another. However, having consulted with organisations such as Refuge and those involved in the field, we think that this is the most sensible way to proceed. The hon. Member for Huntingdon (Mr. Djanogly) asked what will happen if the electoral registration officer refuses to accept an application for anonymous registration. It is possible to appeal to the county court. I hope that that will bear down on electoral registration officers and make them feel accountable, but we all know that the reality is that the last thing someone fleeing domestic violence and building themselves a new life wants to do is take their electoral registration officer to court to secure their place on the register, but anonymously. It is right, obviously, that there should be an appeal system. The hon. Gentleman made a good point about the safety of children. My hon. Friend the Member for Hove (Ms Barlow) also talked about the effect of violence on children. The Bill talks about the electoral registration officer determining the question of ““the person’s safety””. The hon. Member for Huntingdon said, ““What about the children’s safety?”” This is a good and sensible suggestion, and we will look at it. It might be that we need to add something there. It looks like he has a point.