Graham Allen: Damaging to democracy

Graham Allen, chairman of the Commons political and constitutional reform committee, comments on voter registration:

"Getting individuals to take responsibility for their own votes is the right thing to do, but it needs to be done in the right way. There are real risks in moving to a new system, not least that people with the right to vote could fall off the electoral roll in large numbers. This would be damaging to democracy, to public engagement in politics, and to the fairness of the basis on which MPs are elected.

"The transition to individual registration will only be a true success if the electoral rolls become not only more accurate but also more complete. The amendments which we propose—especially on the 2014 canvass and on not opting out—are essential if IER is to command public confidence and not to be seen as unfair and politically partisan."