History of Voting Rights for Parliamentary Elections in the United Kingdom

by Nicole P. Springer

This book gives a history of the Parliamentary franchise and shows the incremental stages which led to universal suffrage across the UK by drawing on several of the recognised sources which have dealt with the subject and by referring to the key legislation. It also provides background to the provisions relating to overseas voters in the Representation of the People Act 1985 which was subsequently amended by the Representation of the People Act 1989 and the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000. There has been considerable concern about the under-registration of the Armed Forces, especially those serving overseas, and the difficulties they face in participating in the electoral process generally. This book continues with giving details of recent changes to legislation, including the provisions of the Electoral Administration Act 2006, and information about measures taken to increase the electoral registration of service personnel. The final chapter of the book briefly draws together library material on the issue of prisoners' voting rights.