Prawo wyborcze i polityczne

Universal Suffrage — Every British, Irish, and qualifying Commonwealth citizen aged 18 or over who is registered to vote has the right to vote in parliamentary elections. The Elections Act 2022 introduced photographic voter ID requirements.

Voter Registration — Registration is individual (not household). The Electoral Registration Officer maintains the electoral register. Failure to respond to a registration canvass can result in a fine.

Campaign Spending — Candidates and parties are subject to strict spending limits during regulated periods. All spending must be reported to the Electoral Commission.

Donations — Political parties must not accept impermissible donations (e.g., from foreign nationals). All donations above £500 must be recorded, and those above £7,500 must be reported to the Electoral Commission.

Electoral Fraud — Offences include personation (voting as someone else), undue influence, bribery, and making false statements about a candidate. The Elections Act 2022 created new offences related to postal and proxy vote fraud.

Election Petitions — The result of an election may be challenged by election petition to the Election Court (two High Court judges). Grounds include corrupt or illegal practices and procedural irregularities.

Broadcasting — There are strict rules on political broadcasting. Paid political advertising on broadcast media is prohibited. Broadcasters must maintain impartiality.

Devolved Elections — Scotland and Wales have separate electoral frameworks for devolved elections. The Scottish Parliament can legislate on its own electoral arrangements, and 16-year-olds can vote in Scottish Parliament and local elections.