New bill to tackle electoral reform
March 2026
A functioning democratic system is vital for human rights. It is about power and how it is wielded. Increasingly, we have witnessed powerful outside interests – whether they be states or wealthy individuals – influencing the political debate. Electoral reform is carried out infrequently partly because political parties settle into a comfortable relationship with the status quo. They can also be reluctant to go against the wishes of their influential patrons.
The newly introduced Representation of the People Bill aims to keep hostile foreign states from interfering in British elections while significantly extending democratic rights to the population. As part of the biggest expansion of democratic participation in a generation it offers first the extension of the franchise to 16 and 17-year olds, which will give voice to millions of young people.
Second, the capping of donations from companies towards electoral expenses will be set at two years of revenue, ensuring that companies that have no genuine business activity or UK footprint will be prevented from making donations. The Bill means companies will need to have shown sufficient revenue made over the previous 3 years (allowing in most cases two financial years of revenue) to justify their donation. It means foreign actors will no longer be able to use their money to interfere in the UK’s elections,
MPs will not be allowed to accept gifts of money or in-kind donations over £2,230. Legitimate gifted hospitality valued below this thresh-hold will continue to be acceptable.
The many other proposals to ensure election fairness include automatic voter registration without voters needing to apply, extending legitimate Voter ID to include bank cards digital forms of ID, increasing the time available for postal voting, ensuring candidates offer documentary proof of their identity to avoid misleading voters, and addressing issues of harassment at polling stations
It marks the beginning of a process that may reshape the practical workings of the UK’s democracy. Few governments have attempted to reform our democratic system quite so comprehensively in a single legislative package. For once, the over-used ‘once in a generation’ tag may actually be justified.
But it does little to protect democracy from misinformation and disinformation in elections, despite the government recognising the risks. It is this ability to ‘control the narrative’ which is a big factor in our political process.
Image: Electoral Reform Society
Amnesty in Salisbury & South Wiltshire 
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