People who abuse election candidates and campaigners will face tougher sentences, and candidates’ addresses will not be published, in reforms set out in a government elections strategy paper.
The strategy also proposes expanding voter ID to include UK-issued bank cards, and allowing 16 and 17-year-olds to vote in all UK elections.
The changes will be brought forward in an elections bill.
Cllr Louise Gittins, LGA Chair, said: “It is encouraging to see efforts to improve registration rates and lower the barriers to voting that some people experience, so that all eligible voters are supported to engage in this fundamental democratic process.
“As with recent reforms to electoral registration and delivery, it is vital that the Government works with councils to ensure that the introduction of significant changes is fair, secure and properly resourced.”
She added: “We are pleased to see recognition of the impact that abuse and intimidation can have on candidates and the democratic process. However, councils need further support to combat this threat to democracy, including more consistent policing, and a review of harassment offences against candidates and elected members.”