Government introduces legislation to tackle electoral intimidation, reduce foreign interference and give 16-17-year-olds the vote

The legislation, if passed, would also remove the requirement for candidates acting as their own election agents to publish their home address.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said that 16-and 17-yearlds would be given voting rights in all UK elections under the Bill.

There are also measures to ensure “foreign actors will no longer be able to use their money to interfere in the UK’s elections”.

This would be through strengthened rules on company donations, new “Know Your Donor” guidance, and tighter requirements for unincorporated associations, the Ministry said.

Companies making political donations will be required to show that they have a genuine connection to the UK. “This includes demonstrating that they are headquartered in the UK, majority owned or controlled by UK electors or citizens and have generated sufficient revenue to cover the donation – closing down foreign actors’ ability to use shell companies to influence UK politics.”

The Electoral Commission will also be able to enforce heavier fines of up to £500,000 on those who breach political finance rules.

A small number of local authorities will meanwhile be allowed to test new flexible ways to make voting simpler, including opening up polling booths in train stations or supermarkets, at the May 2026 local elections.

Steve Reed, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, said: “The Representation of the People Bill will protect our democracy against foreign interference and give young people the right to vote. 

“Growing threats from abroad mean we must make changes to keep our elections secure.    

“We won’t let hostile foreign states use dirty money to buy our elections. We are keeping British democracy safe for British people.”

On the measures to tackle electoral intimidation, the Ministry noted that “the harassment faced by elected representatives has risen to shocking levels in recent years, with women and minority ethnic representatives facing a disproportionate amount of that abuse”.

The Ministry said the reforms in the Bill would be delivered during the lifetime of this Parliament and the government is aiming for these to be in place for the next UK Parliamentary general election.