The government has announced it will make it easier for people to register to vote anonymously, a change for which charities working with women who have experienced domestic abuse have long campaigned.
The charities argue that while it can be vital for women who have escaped violent relationships to conceal their whereabouts, the current hurdles for being allowed to remain off the public electoral roll are very high.
Those seeking to register anonymously have to present either a court order or other legal document, or a letter from a senior police officer or another very high-ranking official.
The constitution minister, Chris Skidmore, told parliament on Wednesday that the government would look at simplifying the qualifying evidence necessary to register anonymously.
Before the statement, Skidmore’s department, the Cabinet Office, said that as well as for those who had experienced domestic abuse, anonymous registration could be necessary for those at risk of forced marriage, witnesses in some criminal cases, or people vulnerable for other reasons if their name and address could be accessed.
Skidmore said: “This government wants everyone’s voice to be heard and ensure anonymous registration is accessible to those who are some of the most vulnerable, but also the bravest in society.”
The changes were sought primarily by Women’s Aid. Sian Hawkins, campaigns manager for the charity, said that for women living in a refuge it was currently “an almost insurmountable challenge” to register to vote.
To remain off the public register they must currently provide either a court order or the signature of a police officer of superintendent rank or above, or the head of the National Crime Agency or a director of social services.
“These are not the kind of people that survivors of domestic abuse come into contact with in everyday life,” Hawkins said, adding that the evidence must be resubmitted every year.
“It’s safe to assume that many, many survivors of domestic abuse will currently not be able to take part in the democratic process.”
Women’s Aid has recommended that the permitted signatories for letters asking for people to register anonymously be expanded to include the likes of refuge managers, GPs, health visitors and midwives.
Hawkins said the charity was extremely pleased that the government was taking action. “It’s absolutely critical that survivors of domestic abuse have the same right to the democratic process as everybody else, particularly after being so often disenfranchised by the system in many other ways,” said said.
The government action was also praised by Mehala Osborne, who launched a petition for a change to the rules in association with the campaign group 38 Degrees after she found herself unable to register anonymously while living at a refuge in Bristol.
“When I was left unable to vote this year it left me feeling devastated,” she said. “For too long, our voices have not been heard – but thanks to the thousands of people who joined the 38 Degrees campaign, we’ve shown that we can make a real difference. I look forward to hearing more from government about the changes and when they will come into effect.”
