Guidance

Flexible voting pilots 2027: Prospectus​

Published 24 August 2026

Applies to England

1. Introduction

1.1. The way we vote in a polling station has changed little since the Ballot Act 1872. As society becomes increasingly digital and expectations for convenience rise, existing processes are often at odds with people’s expectations of modern public services and in conflict with how some Returning Officers want to provide access to elections.

1.2. In its manifesto, the government committed to encouraging greater participation in our democracy. Modernising the voting experience is key to achieving that goal. To support this, the government is exploring ways to make voting in person more efficient, more convenient, and better aligned with the expectations of today’s electors.

1.3. As part of this work, the government partnered with four local authorities to pilot a range of flexible voting options at the local elections in May 2026.

1.4. We are now inviting formal applications from local authorities in England to pilot at local elections in May 2027.

1.5. If you would like to apply to pilot, we are inviting formal applications by 15 September 2026. Details of how to make a formal application are set out in this prospectus. If you have any questions or would like a discussion on piloting prior to submitting a formal application, please get in touch.

For pilot scheme enquiries, email: electionspilots@communities.gov.uk.

2. Objectives

2026 pilots

2.1. The previous round of flexible voting pilots was delivered in partnership with four local authorities at the May 2026 local elections. Cambridge City Council, North Hertfordshire District Council and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council piloted early in-person voting at hubs, giving electors the option to vote in the days ahead of polling day, alongside normal polling station provision on polling day. Milton Keynes City Council piloted on-the-day voting in a central voting hub, testing the impact of providing a centrally located hub on polling day in addition to usual polling stations.

2.2. Operational delivery of the pilots was successful, with no significant issues observed, demonstrating the viability of the pilot models. The Electoral Commission has published its statutory evaluation of the 2026 pilots. The report found that the pilots operated successfully, that voters who used the flexible voting options were generally positive about their experience and that there is appetite for greater flexibility in how people vote. The Commission also concluded that further testing is needed to strengthen the evidence base. MHCLG is continuing its own evaluation of the 2026 pilots, and the findings from both evaluations will inform future policy development and piloting activity.

Participating in the early voting pilot was a genuinely rewarding experience and provided valuable insight into how greater flexibility can support voter engagement. It highlighted the importance of early planning, particularly around venues and suppliers, as well as the scale of communications needed to ensure electors understood the changes. While our approach worked well in Cambridge, it will be interesting to see how other areas tailor flexible voting to reflect their own local contexts and elector needs.

  Vicky Jenner, Electoral Services Manager, Cambridge City Council

2027 objectives

2.3. The flexible voting pilot schemes are designed to explore innovative approaches to voting that better reflect the needs and expectations of today’s electorate. These pilots aim to modernise the voting experience by introducing greater flexibility, improving accessibility and enhancing voter satisfaction while safeguarding the integrity, security and transparency of the democratic process.

2.4. Following the pilots during the May 2026 local elections, we are aiming to test flexible voting in more places and further build the evidence base.

2.5. The Electoral Commission’s evaluation highlighted the need for additional evidence from a wider range of authorities and electoral contexts before firm conclusions can be reached about the impact of flexible voting. The 2027 pilots will provide an opportunity to expand the evidence base and test these approaches in different settings.

2.6. We are inviting local authorities to trial various piloting options as set out in section 3. There is also scope for local authorities to propose alternative options for pilots tailored to the needs of their electorate. However, we will not accept proposals for online or electronic voting.

2.7. The overarching objectives of these pilots are to:

• improve voter convenience and satisfaction
• advance accessibility and inclusive participation
• assess feasibility and deliver cost-effective, resilient and secure voting

2.8. To improve voter convenience and satisfaction, the pilots will primarily test two options: voting hubs on polling day and early voting in hubs. These options are intended to make voting more accessible in terms of time and location, helping electors participate in a way that fits more easily into their lives. By offering greater choice and convenience, the pilots aim to support a more positive voting experience and encourage repeat engagement.

2.9. To advance accessibility and inclusive participation, the pilots will explore how flexible voting methods can better support electors who may face barriers to participation, such as disabled voters, those in remote areas, those with non-standard working patterns, and communities that are less likely to engage. Accessibility will be considered throughout the development and evaluation of pilot models.

2.10. To assess feasibility and resilience, the pilots will examine the operational, financial, and technological implications of delivering new flexible voting methods. This includes analysing value for money and resource requirements, identifying risks and dependencies, and exploring the impact on the overall resilience of electoral delivery. Security, transparency, and reliability will be central to every model tested, with a view to understanding how scalable and sustainable these innovations could be in practice.

3. Pilot delivery

Implementation

3.1. Local authorities selected to pilot will be expected to develop and deliver a clear, practical strategy for delivery of their pilot. This includes ensuring electors are well informed about any changes to the voting process and how to participate. Authorities should also consider how the pilot fits within their broader electoral delivery plans and ensure that any changes are integrated smoothly into existing processes. Support will be available from MHCLG and the Electoral Commission throughout the planning and delivery phases. While MHCLG may engage with suppliers to support the overall delivery of the pilots, it is important to note that local authorities will retain full responsibility for managing procurement and supplier relationships. This includes holding the contractual arrangements and ensuring effective oversight of supplier activity throughout the pilot.

Flexible voting options

3.2. The pilots will be supported using technology including digital registers, and will test and evaluate a range of flexible voting methods designed to offer greater convenience and accessibility while maintaining electoral integrity and resilience.

3.3. Our core objective with this round of pilots is to expand the evidence base for the two methods trialled in May 2026:

• Voting hubs - Centralised polling stations located in high-footfall areas open on polling day in addition to regular polling stations.

• Early in-person voting - Polling stations or hubs open ahead of polling day, with the option of including the weekend, offering flexibility to accommodate electors who may not be able to vote on polling day.

3.4. We are open to considering alternative models where local authorities can demonstrate clear rationale and alignment with the pilot objectives. Any such proposals will be subject to further discussion and approval.

Funding

3.5. Funding for the additional costs of piloting will be provided by MHCLG. Where changes to processes result in savings, these should be used to offset additional costs to ensure value for money.

3.6. Funding will be provided partially as an up-front grant and partially as recoverable costs. Authorities will be expected to provide a detailed account of all pilot-related costs after pilots are delivered.

3.7. Authorities and their chosen suppliers will be expected to manage resources effectively and demonstrate financial accountability throughout the pilot period.

4. Application process

4.1. We are now inviting formal applications from local authorities in England with scheduled elections in May 2027 to participate in the flexible voting pilots. Applications should be submitted by 15 September 2026 to electionspilots@communities.gov.uk.

Formal applications

4.2. Formal applications must include:

• a clear outline of the proposed pilot model(s), including objectives and estimated costs of delivery
• confirmation of support from the Council or the Chief Executive in line with how the local authority usually makes its decisions and exercises its functions;
• a commitment to meeting the delivery and evaluation requirements set out in section 5
• any existing or planned arrangements with suppliers to support the delivery of the pilots

4.3. Formal applications will be reviewed and agreed by MHCLG and representatives from the Electoral Commission. Final approval will rest with the Minister with responsibility for elections, who is obliged by law to consider any application from a local authority under section 10 of the Representation of the People Act 2000. The Minister will need to be satisfied that applicants meet the criteria outlined in section 5 of this prospectus.

4.4. It is anticipated that authorities will be informed whether their application has been successful by the end of October 2026. For further details please see the provisional timetable at section 7.

4.5. MHCLG, with support from the Electoral Commission and Association of Electoral Administrators, will work closely with successful authorities to refine delivery plans and support implementation. This will include a regular schedule of working group meetings hosted by MHCLG. We are also happy to share learning from previous pilots to help shape delivery.

5. Criteria for piloting authorities

5.1. We are looking to work with local authorities that reflect a diverse range of electoral contexts. This includes variation in geography, population size, and socio-economic and demographic characteristics encompassing metropolitan, rural, and urban areas.

5.2. We recognise that some authorities may be undergoing or preparing for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). Unfortunately, we are unable to accept applications from local authorities undergoing LGR.

5.3. Authorities submitting a formal application for May 2027 should be able to demonstrate that they have:

• local elections scheduled for May 2027, excluding elections to shadow authorities
• clear understanding of the government’s objectives for the project and how the proposed pilot supports those objectives
• the ability to deliver the pilot within the available timeframe
• effective project management arrangements with sufficient resources and capacity in the local authority to deliver the pilot, including staff availability after the election to support the evaluation process
• appropriate management and procurement arrangements for any service suppliers involved
• considered value for money for the taxpayer and appropriate cost control measures for the project, including with suppliers
• contingency arrangements to protect the security and integrity of the election
• a clear and comprehensive communications plan covering all stakeholders
• full support for the Electoral Commission’s evaluation process
• a clear approach to testing the impact of the innovation and capturing learning
• a proposed model that is at least as secure as existing electoral practices
• considered how the pilot will maintain public confidence in the electoral process, with key risks identified and managed

5.4. Authorities are encouraged to contact MHCLG if they have questions about eligibility or delivery expectations. We are committed to working collaboratively with pilot areas to ensure successful implementation and meaningful evaluation.

6. Pilot legislation

Statutory Orders

6.1. Once pilot applications have been approved, a Statutory Order must be made for each participating local authority. These Orders modify the existing legislation to permit the specific change being piloted and must reflect the exact nature of the innovation for the pilot to be legally compliant.

6.2. The preparation of these Orders is a detailed and time-consuming process, requiring close collaboration between local authorities and MHCLG officials. Local authorities will be expected to fully contribute toward the development of the Statutory Order to be prepared by MHCLG.

6.3. Failure to prepare an Order in good time, which includes providing sufficient time for the Electoral Commission to carry out their statutory consideration of draft Orders, would mean that a pilot scheme cannot proceed.

6.4. It is intended that the Statutory Orders will be in place and signed by January 2027.

6.5. The regulations providing for electoral administration pilots and governing how they operate are set out in section 10 of the Representation of the People Act 2000.

Evaluation

6.6. MHCLG is committed to a comprehensive evaluation of these pilots. This will be developed in collaboration with participating authorities and informed by the specific models being tested. Further details on our evaluation approach and expectations will be shared with participating authorities.

6.7. In addition, the Electoral Commission has a statutory duty to evaluate every electoral pilot scheme under section 10 of the Representation of the People Act 2000. The Commission will publish its evaluation framework once pilot applications have been approved and this may include additional criteria beyond those set out in the legislation.

6.8. The Commission will send evaluation reports on the pilot schemes to the Minister with responsibility for elections and the relevant local authority. The Commission may also produce an overarching report reviewing the collective impact of the pilot schemes, identifying lessons for future pilot schemes.

6.9. To support effective evaluation, participating authorities and their suppliers will be required to provide MHCLG, the Commission, and relevant evaluation partners with access to:

• relevant data and information, including current and historic turnout data, project information, and background information
• cost data to allow an assessment of value for money
• key project personnel
• polling stations and the count, where appropriate

6.10. Organisations acting on behalf of the Commission and/or MHCLG may make some information requests of pilot authorities. It is likely that the Commission and/or MHCLG will undertake or contract others to undertake:

• an assessment of the accessibility of pilot schemes
• a review of the operation of any technical components of pilot schemes
• surveys with local authority and polling station staff
• public opinion research

MHCLG and the Commission recognise that evaluation is a significant undertaking and will work closely with pilot authorities to manage this process.

7. Provisional timetable

2026

August 2026	Prospectus shared with local authorities
15 September 2026	Application window closes
September – October 2026	Assessment and selection of participating authorities
October – December 2026	Piloting authorities input into draft statutory orders

2027

January 2027	Statutory orders signed
January – April 2027	Local authority onboarding. Regular working group and project update meetings between MHCLG and piloting authorities
April 2027	Readiness reviews and delivery assurance checkpoints
May 2027	Pilot delivery at local elections
May – June 2027	Immediate debriefs and data collection
May – August 2027	Evaluation fieldwork and analysis
Summer/Autumn 2027	Evaluation reports published

8. The role of pilots

Why pilot?

8.1. The Representation of the People Act 2000 makes provision for local authorities to submit proposals to pilot innovative electoral administration practices at local government elections.

8.2. Pilots provide several benefits for improving the way elections are run, including:

• the ability to test changes and innovations in a real-world environment
• the facility for formal evaluation through undertaking testing in a controlled environment
• the ability to ensure effective project management and delivery

8.3. This allows us to make a comprehensive, evidence-based assessment of the impact of implementing new practices and determine whether they are successful in delivering the desired outcomes. We can then make an informed decision about which measures should be implemented.

8.4. Previous pilots have tested a range of new and innovative solutions and have informed policy making in both local and central government.

Strategic vision

8.5. These flexible voting pilots form part of the government’s broader commitment to a transparent, secure, and inclusive democracy. As expectations of public services evolve, it is essential that electoral processes remain relevant, accessible, and trusted. Through these pilots, we aim to:

• explore how voting can be made more convenient and inclusive
• identify and address barriers to participation, particularly for underrepresented groups
• test the operational and technological feasibility of new delivery models
• ensure that any changes uphold the integrity and transparency of the electoral process

8.6. Importantly, these pilots represent the first step in a longer-term strategy to modernise the voting experience. The insights gained will inform future phases of reform, helping to shape a roadmap for wider implementation of successful models. This phased approach ensures that changes are supported by evidence, responsive to local needs, and capable of delivering a more inclusive and future-ready democratic process.

8.7. By working in partnership with local authorities, the government aims to build a stronger evidence base for future reforms and ensure that any changes to the voting process are grounded in real-world experience and robust evaluation.

9. FAQs

What are the flexible voting pilots aiming to achieve?

The pilots aim to test flexible voting methods that improve convenience, accessibility, and resilience in electoral delivery. They are designed to explore how innovations like early voting, and voting hubs can better meet the needs of today’s electorate while maintaining the integrity of the democratic process.

Can my authority propose a pilot model not listed in the prospectus?

Yes. While we have outlined two core options, local authorities may propose alternative models that respond to local needs. Any such proposals must be supported by a clear rationale and must not include online voting or electronic voting machines in polling stations.

Will funding be provided for pilot delivery?

Yes. MHCLG will provide funding via grants to cover the additional costs of piloting. Where changes result in savings, these should be used to offset costs to ensure value for money.

What support will be available to pilot authorities?

MHCLG, supported by the Electoral Commission and Association of Electoral Administrators, will work closely with selected authorities throughout the planning and delivery phases. We will share learning from previous pilots, provide guidance on statutory processes, and support engagement with suppliers and stakeholders.

How will supplier delivery be managed for the pilots?

Local authorities participating in the pilots will retain full responsibility for managing supplier relationships. This includes establishing and managing contractual arrangements, overseeing supplier activity, and ensuring that services are delivered in line with the pilot objectives. While MHCLG may engage with suppliers to support overall delivery, local authorities will remain responsible for effective governance, clear communication, and robust oversight of any third-party involvement.

Authorities should also consider supplier readiness and contingency planning as part of their delivery approach. We encourage local authorities to engage with suppliers during the application process to help demonstrate feasibility and deliverability of their proposed pilot. Authorities are responsible for ensuring that any supplier arrangements deliver value for money for the taxpayer and are supported by appropriate procurement, cost-control and contract-management arrangements. Early engagement with local authority procurement teams is encouraged.

Does my authority need prior experience using technology to manage polling station registers to take part in a pilot?

No. We are happy to work with local authorities regardless of their previous experience with technology in polling stations. Whether you have used electronic registers before or are exploring them for the first time, we will provide support to help you develop a suitable pilot model. The aim is to test what works in different contexts, so a mix of experience levels is welcome.

However, it is important to note that local authorities will be responsible for managing any suppliers involved in delivering technical solutions. This includes holding contractual arrangements, overseeing delivery, and ensuring that services meet the pilot’s objectives and standards.

Can authorities undergoing Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) take part in the pilots?

We recognise that some authorities may be undergoing or preparing for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). Unfortunately, we are unable to accept applications from local authorities undergoing LGR.

Is it possible to run pilots at by-elections?

Under current legislation, a local authority must apply to pilot in relation to a specific election. Because by-elections are typically called at short notice, there is unlikely to be sufficient time to complete the formal application process and implement the necessary changes for a pilot scheme. As a result, pilots are only expected to take place at scheduled elections where planning and legislative requirements can be met.

What is required from authorities during the evaluation phase?

Authorities will need to provide access to relevant data, cost information, key personnel, and polling stations (where appropriate). They will also be expected to support public opinion research and technical assessments led by the Electoral Commission or its partners.

Will participating in a pilot affect the legal status of the election?

No. Statutory Orders will be made for each pilot area to ensure legal compliance. These Orders modify existing legislation to permit the specific innovation being trialled and safeguard the integrity of the election.

Are pilots planned for 2028?

There are no current plans to conduct pilots in 2028. However, authorities interested in future participation are encouraged to engage with MHCLG to help shape innovation in the electoral sector.

Will voters need to do anything differently in pilot areas?

Yes, depending on the pilot model. For example, voters may be able to vote at different times or locations than usual. Authorities will be expected to run clear and inclusive communications campaigns to ensure electors understand any changes.

How will the pilots contribute to wider electoral reform?

These pilots are the first step in a longer-term strategy to modernise the voting experience. The Electoral Commission’s evaluation of the 2026 pilots concluded that further evidence is needed before firm policy conclusions can be drawn. The evidence gathered through future pilots will help build that evidence base and inform any future reforms.