Local government

Elections

The Role of Communities and Local Government

Communities and Local Government is responsible for when local government elections are held - i.e. for the cycle of local elections to local authorities in England. It is also responsible for the legislation that governs the review and updating of electoral arrangements within local authorities, which is a statutory duty of the Electoral Commission.

In July 2005, responsibility for all other aspects of local government elections passed to the Department for Constitutional Affairs (DCA). Following machinery of government changes in May 2007 the DCA became part of a new department, the Ministry of Justice.

The Role of the Ministry of Justice

The Ministry of Justice is responsible for the policy and legislative framework for UK Parliamentary elections, European Parliamentary elections, and national referendums, including the franchise, their conduct and funding. It is also responsible for the conduct of local elections in England and Wales, and electoral modernisation and e-democracy.

Further information on elections, including guidance for electoral administrators, information on general elections, and on legislation and modernisation of the UK and European elections, can be found on the Ministry of Justice website (see the external links on this page).

The Role of the Electoral Commission

The Electoral Commission's purpose is to increase public confidence and participation in the democratic process within the UK. It was established on 30 November 2000 and is independent of government, non-partisan and directly accountable to Parliament.

The Electoral Commission aims to promote public confidence and encourage people to take part in the democratic process within the United Kingdom by:

  • modernising the electoral process
  • promoting public awareness of electoral matters
  • regulating political parties
  • ensuring that electoral boundaries reflect changing demographic and local needs

The Commission also has a statutory responsibility to evaluate all pilot schemes.

The Electoral Commission's website (a link is available on this page) contains information for voters and candidates, online versions of its various published reports, and data regarding elections. It is the best source of information about your right to vote, and can provide details of:

  • Who is entitled to vote;
  • How and when you can register to vote; and
  • How to cast a vote if you can't get to your polling station on election day.

In addition, it explains who is entitled to stand as a candidate in UK elections, gives information about applying to register a political party, how donations should be registered and how candidates and election agents can claim expenses.

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