Parliamentary Elections (Optional Preferential Vote) Bill

Key Points

• Voters can rank candidates in parliamentary elections; ranking is optional.
• The traditional single-vote option remains available for those who prefer it.
• Counting rules would be updated to handle voter rankings, including redistribution of votes as needed to determine a winner.
• The changes would require updates to electoral laws, ballots and staff training for election administration.
• Applies to parliamentary elections across the UK and affects voters, candidates and election officials.

Progress

Currently at the second reading in the House of Commons. If it progresses, it would move to committee stage for detailed consideration, then to report and third readings, and finally to the House of Lords for consideration.