Written evidence from Sandra Figgess (TEB 08)

Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee

The Elections Bill inquiry

• I am concerned that the repeal of the fixed term Parliaments Act gives excessive power to the party in power and destroys any sense of a level playing field in elections. This could in turn lead to what is effectively a one party state and destroy our democracy.
• I am concerned that the bill makes it more difficult for local groups to campaign and share other perspectives than the dominant party. This again threatens to undermine our democracy.
• I am concerned that the bill discourages groups who have interests in common to collaborate in challenging the party in power.
• The requirement for photo ID for  Voters skews the system to disenfranchise people who are on the edge and/or already find it difficult to negotiate the voting requirements. These are also the people who are least likely to be aware of changes in the system and who will be least likely to know how to apply for suitable ID on time.  This is another threat to our democracy and one which is not justified by any evidence of significant voter fraud.

August 2021