Reform UK is pushing to block people who cannot speak English from voting in elections. Under the proposals, officials at polling stations would be told not to let someone vote if there are “concerns about their ability to understand the voting process or language”.
Amendments to Government Bill
The measure is one of several amendments Reform MP Danny Kruger has tabled to a government bill. Reform’s amendments would also ban parties from publishing election materials in languages not native to the British Isles or accessible communication formats such as Braille or British Sign Language.
The proposals would allow officials to require voters to vote separately in a bid to prevent family voting, where a relative influences another family member’s vote. They would also limit postal voting to people who are unable to attend in person. And they would remove the right of Commonwealth citizens who are not British citizens to vote in parliamentary and local government elections.
Reform’s Justification
Mr Kruger, who is head of Reform’s department for preparing for government, said: “With every election, our democracy is being systematically eroded.
“Britain’s electoral system - once the envy of the world - now buckles under the strain of uncontrolled immigration.
“In too many parts of the country, elections have been captured by foreign conflicts and sectarian interests, not by what is best for Britain.
“Reform UK will not stand by while our political system is undermined. Britain should be run in the interests of the British people. That’s why we are introducing these changes to save our democracy.”
Family Voting Allegations
It comes as claims of family voting have been made in a series of recent elections including the Gorton and Denton by-election in February. Reform leader Nigel Farage reported allegations of the practice, which is illegal, after independent election observers, Democracy Volunteers, said they witnessed family voting. But Greater Manchester Police later said there was “no evidence” on family voting after carrying out an investigation.
