UK elections 'stuck in 19th century'

A watchdog has called for a series of changes to the UK's "19th century" electoral structures.

In a report published on Wednesday, the Electoral Commission describes administrative systems that are "stretched to breaking point".

At present several hundred independent officers provide a level of service largely depending on the resources made available by local authorities, it said.

They are asked to deal with a growing number of elections for the devolved administrations, more complex voting system such as proportional representation, an increase in postal voting and innovations such as the use of photo ID in Northern Ireland.

Chairman Sam Younger said: "The planning and running of elections needs to be more robust and coordinated.

"We are still trying to run 21st century elections with 19th century structures, and the system is under severe strain."

The report's recommendations include:

• Establishing electoral boards to co-ordinate elections, with board chairman given powers to keep standards high.
• Simplifying electoral law and addressing the shortfall in funding for electoral administration that exists across the UK.
• Ensuring that electoral law is finalised six months before any election.
• Considering establishing a professional UK-wide electoral registration service.
• Strengthening the role of returning officers to ensure their role in running elections is clearly distinct from the formation of election policy by government.

Younger said: "Ensuring that returning officers remain independent, and reinforced with the leadership, support and direction of the chair of an election management board, would build on the strengths of the current system.

"Our proposal is designed to allow local returning officers to continue to respond to local circumstances while ensuring that there is a consistently high standard of service for all electors across the UK."