Mark Harper, MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary for Political and Constitutional Reform
Cabinet Office
70, Whitehall
London
SW1A 2AS

17th November 2011

Dear Mark,

I am writing on behalf of many of my constituents who are concerned about the Government's plans to scrap the 2014 canvass and the legal requirement for people to provide their Electoral Registration Officer with information to ensure the register is as accurate and complete as possible.

I recognise that there are numerous benefits to individual voter registration. For example, taking responsibility for deciding who can vote in a household away from the old fashioned idea of the "head of the household" and ensuring each individual is responsible for their own right to vote. I agree that it should also make the electoral register more secure, by making it easier to check the identity of people who register. Individual voter registration should make it easier for public and local authorities to reach under-represented groups too.

However, I am deeply concerned that the Government has chosen to introduce this positive change to voter registration alongside dropping the 2014 canvass and removing an obligation to provide Electoral Returning Officers with up to date information. I am sure you are aware of the widespread condemnation that these two proposals have attracted, including from Jenny Russell, the chair of the Electoral Commission. One of the most worrying elements is that, as a result of the proposals, the number of registered voters in inner city areas could drop by as much as 30% compared to eg 10% in rural areas. This would have a knock on effect on constituency boundaries, which are decided on the basis of numbers of registered voters. My fear is that this will disenfranchise people, perpetuate inequality and reduce civic participation. Therefore, I urge you to abandon these plans.

I look forward to your response.

Yours sincerely,

Caroline Lucas, MP, Brighton Pavilion