Voter Registration Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office
Wednesday 8th June 2016

(7 years, 11 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Matt Hancock Portrait Matthew Hancock
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No; the two issues are separate. If someone wants to register, or applied to register yesterday, but is not available to vote on 23 June, a postal vote could not be organised in time, but they can still vote by proxy. That opportunity is available, so that they can express their democratic wish.

Mark Durkan Portrait Mark Durkan (Foyle) (SDLP)
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The House has heard a “carry on” registration message from the Minister and the Prime Minister. Should people in Northern Ireland listen, given that online registration is not available there? There were separate difficulties in Northern Ireland arising from strike action over proposals to centralise electoral office services that affected those offices yesterday and last week.

Matt Hancock Portrait Matthew Hancock
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This is an incredibly important concern in Northern Ireland, and any legislation will be absolutely clear about the position, which we will set out as soon as we can.