Parliamentary Elections (Optional Preferential Vote) Bill

A Bill to introduce the optional preferential voting system for Parliamentary elections; and for connected purposes.

Originating House

House of Commons

Parliament last updated

4 May 2022

In Plain English

AI-generated

May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.

This bill would introduce an optional preferential voting system for UK parliamentary elections. Voters would be able to rank candidates in order of preference if they wish, but ranking would be optional. The changes would apply to parliamentary elections and related provisions.

Key Points

Introduces optional preferential voting for Parliamentary elections.
Voters may choose to rank candidates on their ballot; ranking is optional.
Sets out rules for how such votes would be counted and implemented.
Currently at the second reading in the House of Commons; originated in the Commons.
Covers related or connected purposes beyond the core voting system.

Progress

The bill is at the second reading in the House of Commons. The first reading was on 7 February 2022 and the second reading on 6 May 2022; no further stages are listed in the provided information.

Who is affected?

Voters/electorsCandidates standing for ParliamentElectoral administrators and returning officersElectoral Commission and other electoral staffPolitical parties and campaign organisations

Generated 21 February 2026

Bill Stages

1st readingCommons

7 Feb 2022

2nd readingCommons

6 May 2022

Committee stageCommons

Report stageCommons

3rd readingCommons

1st readingLords

2nd readingLords

Committee stageLords

Report stageLords

3rd readingLords

Royal Assent

Updates & Documents

News (1)

Parliamentary Elections (Optional Preferential Vote) Bill

8 Feb 2022

The 2021-2022 session of Parliament has prorogued and this Bill will make no further progress.

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.