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<p>The Government is committed to ensuring that everyone who is eligible to vote is
able to do so. An integral part of this is having an electoral registration system
that is efficient and meets the needs of the modern citizen.</p><p> </p><p>As part
of our plans for reform of the annual canvass, the Government is currently consulting
on a hybrid model based on the evidence from 23 canvass pilot projects. The consultation
is being conducted jointly with the Scottish and Welsh Governments and will remain
open until 30th November 2018.</p><p> </p><p>The pilots have provided us with a strong
basis from which to evaluate and mitigate any risks. In developing the model, we have
worked closely with stakeholders in the electoral community including the Electoral
Commission, Association of Electoral Administrators and the Scottish Assessors Association.
Throughout, we have considered how best to support citizens with protected characteristics
to ensure our policy proposal for the reform of the annual canvass supports their
participation in our country’s democratic events.</p><p> </p><p>We have engaged with
organisations that represent their interests. This has included seeking the opinions
of the Accessibility of Elections Working Group, whose membership includes leading
charities, such as the Royal Mencap Society, RNIB and Scope. The proposals for the
reform of the annual canvass were shared with this group on the 9th October.</p><p>
</p><p>Our proposals for canvass reform do not affect the ability of individuals to
register at any time during the year. The introduction of online registration has
made it easier, simpler and faster to register to vote. This can be done online at
<a href="http://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote" target="_blank">www.gov.uk/register-to-vote</a>
<a href="http://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote" target="_blank"> </a>in as little as
5 minutes.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>
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