With the London Mayoral and London Assembly elections around the corner, the Greater London Authority must increase communications regarding voter registration.
This is to ensure every Londoner is aware of the registration process and to give them the opportunity to vote at polling stations on 2 May 2024.
That is why the London Assembly has today passed a motion calling on the Greater London Authority to support voter registration and ramp up registration communications in the run up to the deadline on Tuesday 16 April 2024.
Anne Clarke AM, who proposed the motion, said:
“Londoners should be able to have their voices heard at the next election, but we are concerned that many Londoners might not be registered to vote or do not have the photo ID needed.
“This will add more barriers to young people; Black, Asian, Minority, Ethnic and migrant Londoners; and renters, all of whom are underrepresented on the electoral register.
“I’m pleased that the Assembly supports increasing voter registration campaigns so that every Londoner gets a say in the future of our city.”
The full text of the motion is:
The London Assembly notes that the London elections are being held on 2 May 2024 and it’s important that every Londoner who wishes to vote is registered before the deadline of Tuesday 16 April.
According to the Electoral Commission, the ‘completeness’ of the electoral register in London was 82% in 2022, meaning that 18% of eligible voters were not on the electoral register. Young people; Black, Asian, Minority, Ethnic and migrant Londoners (including Commonwealth and EU Londoners, in line with voting rights); and private and social renters are all underrepresented on the electoral register.
The Assembly is concerned about under-registration and the requirement for voters to present photo ID at polling stations for the first time at a London-wide election.
The Assembly notes the Greater London Authority’s support for voter registration efforts including initiatives such as London Voter Registration Week which aims to increase voter registration rates, particularly among harder to reach groups.
The Assembly calls on the Greater London Authority to increase voter registration communications in the run up to the deadline on Tuesday 16 April.
Notes to editors
- The motion was agreed unanimously.
- Watch the webcast.
- Anne Clarke AM, who proposed the motion, is available for interview.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For media enquiries, please contact Anthony Smyth on 07763 251727. For out of hours media enquiries, call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the London Assembly duty press officer.