Elections: Pilot Schemes
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what the provisional budget is for flexible voting pilots in (a) 2026 and (b) 2027.
Answered by Samantha Dixon
The government is exploring ways to make voting in person more efficient, more convenient, and better aligned with the expectations of today’s electors. These pilots are part of the government’s commitment to encourage greater participation in our democracy and to modernise the voting process, this commitment extends to town and parish council elections, such as those being held in North Hertfordshire in May.
The government did not receive any requests or expressions of interest that were rejected. Several local authorities expressed interest but did not make a formal application.
There have been no prospectus documents, calls for evidence, bidding documents, consultations or pilot invitations published in the last twelve months on matters other than the flexible voting pilots.
The flexible voting pilots are being funded by the Department.
Regarding the government’s engagement with stakeholders for the flexible voting pilots, I refer the Rt Hon. Member to Question UIN 87029 on 12 November 2025.
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