Absent Voting Rules for Scottish and Welsh Elections Act 2025

This Act changes the rules for postal and proxy voting in Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly elections. It allows people to vote by post or have someone vote for them without giving a reason. Currently, voters must explain why they cannot vote in person on election day. The Act removes this requirement for devolved elections in Scotland and Wales. It also updates the process for applying for absent votes and how long these arrangements last. The government says this will make voting easier and increase participation. Some argue it could make elections less secure by reducing checks on who votes by post or proxy.

• 1Removes the need to give reasons for postal or proxy voting in Scottish and Welsh elections
• 2Updates application processes for absent voting arrangements
• 3Changes how long postal and proxy voting permissions last
• 4Only applies to Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly elections
• 5Government says it will increase voter participation and make voting easier