Electoral Registration and Administration Bill

Insert the following new Clause—

“Representation of the People Act 1985 (Amendment) (No 2)

(1) The Secretary of State may by Order made by statutory instrument amend the Representation of the People Act 1985 either—

(a) in section 1 (extension of parliamentary franchise), to omit subsections (3)(c) and 4(a) and in section 3 (extension of franchise for European Parliamentary elections), to omit subsections (3)(c) and (4)(a); or

(b) to substitute for the period of 15 years provided for in each of those sections a longer period (“the relevant period”).

(2) If the Secretary of State makes an Order under subsection (1)(b) he may subsequently make further Orders under subsection (1)(b) provided that any such subsequent Order may only provide for a further increase in the relevant period.

(3) An instrument containing an Order under subsection (1) shall be subject to approval by resolution of both Houses of Parliament.”

Line 10, at end insert—

“(3) Section 66A of the Representation of the People Act 1983 (prohibition on publication of exit polls) is amended as follows.

(4) In subsection (1), after “before” insert “a time 30 minutes after”.”