On This Day, 8 February 1918

Birmingham Daily Gazette

Friday 8 February 1918

NEW REFORM ACT

BIG CHANGES BROUGHT ABOUT BY THE MEASURES

The new Reform Act, officially entitled the Representation of the People Act, which has now received the Royal Assent, makes, among others, the following changes:-

Voters increased from 8,357,000 to about 16,000,000. 6,000,000 women voters, 5,000,000 being wives of electors.

Youths of 19 who have served or are serving in the Army or Navy in connection with the war to have votes. Soldiers and sailors to vote in foreign lands or at sea by post or by proxy.

Number of M.P.s increased from 670 to 707.

All polling in a General Election on one day.

General Election under new register possible in August or September.

Men.- Qualifications for a vote:- Twenty-one years of age, and six months’ residency or occupation of business premises.

Women.- Qualifications for a vote:- Thirty years of age, and either a local government elector or the wife of one. (The qualifications for the local government franchise is six months’ ownership or tenancy of land or premises. Lodgers in furnished rooms are not qualified.)

Dual Voting.- No person to vote at a General Election for more than two constituencies.

Proportional Representation.-  To be applied to university constituencies returning two or more members: 11 seats affected. Commissioners to prepare a scheme for the election of 100 town and country members in Great Britain by “P.R.” to take effect if approved by resolution of both Houses.