The United Kingdom has one of the most restrictive voter registration systems among liberal democracies, according to a new international study by the University of Manchester. Researchers found that the UK, along with Ireland and Barbados, ranks among the most difficult places for eligible citizens to register to vote, prompting renewed calls for electoral reform through automatic voter registration.
Unlike many democracies where citizens are automatically added to the electoral roll through existing government records, UK voters must register manually, adhere to strict deadlines, and vote only at designated polling stations. Critics say these requirements disproportionately affect young people, low-income individuals, and those living in rented housing—groups already underrepresented in elections.
The introduction of mandatory voter ID by the Conservative government has further complicated the voting process, drawing criticism for creating additional barriers to participation.
Labour Considering Major Electoral Reforms
The Labour Party is exploring the introduction of automatic voter registration as part of a broader democracy bill, which could be tabled before the next general election. Under this model, electoral data would be compiled from other public records, such as tax or passport databases—similar to systems used in countries like Iceland, Argentina, and South Korea.
Professor Maria Sobolewska of the University of Manchester said the UK’s voter registration process is an international outlier: “Making registration automatic is the most urgent reform to our election laws. It’s essential to ensure equal democratic participation.”
Millions Could Benefit, Especially Private Renters
Campaign group Generation Rent estimates that over 8.5 million private rentersw—91% of those aged 16 and over—stand to benefit from automatic registration. Only 65% of renters are currently registered correctly, with rates dropping to 39% for individuals who’ve lived at their address for less than a year.
“Frequent moves and evictions leave renters excluded from the democratic process,” said Dan Wilson Craw, deputy CEO of Generation Rent. “The UK’s manual system is especially punishing compared to other democracies.”
Turnout Crisis Spurs Urgency for Change
With voter turnout at just 59.7% in the 2024 general election—and an estimated 52% of adults actually casting a ballot when accounting for unregistered voters—experts warn that trust in the democratic process is at risk. Voter turnout has not exceeded 70% since 1997.
Labour is also considering lowering the voting age to 16 and reforming political donation laws as part of its pledge to revitalise UK democracy.
