The snap general election called by then-PM Rishi Sunak last summer put enormous strain on suppliers, the postal service and election professionals tasked with managing the process.
The AEA report, New Blueprint for a Modern Electoral Landscape, follows a similar report in 2021 that also called for changes.
The AEA reiterated ongoing issues caused by a fragmented legislative framework.
“Since 2021, the electoral sector has grappled with the Elections Act 2022 and other legislative change. More is coming.
“With votes from 16 [years old] and an emphasis on voter registration in the new UK Government’s manifesto, informed consolidation and rational reform of electoral law and practice is needed more than ever,” the AEA stated.
Key recommendations that would impact the printing and mailing industry include an extended 30-day timetable for all polls instead of the current 25-days; as well as bringing forward the postal voting deadline to 16 working days prior to the poll date – there was a huge increase in the take-up of postal voting last year, with the number jumping by around 1.3m to nearly 9.6m electors.
“Capacity across the supply chain leaves entire elections vulnerable. Even at polls with lower turnouts, any postal vote related issues can call a result into question,” the AEA noted.
Currently electors in Britain can apply for a postal vote up to 5pm, 11 working days before a poll.
In Northern Ireland it is 14 working days but postal voting on demand is not an option there.
“The complexity of printing over 9.5 million 2024 UK Parliamentary General Election postal vote packs from a standing start – alongside over 48 million poll cards and around 50 million ballot papers – must not be underestimated,” the AEA said.
The association noted that printers were hard-pressed to meet the required printing volumes within the 25-working day timetable, and said: “Timeframes, volumes, and capacity issues must be addressed.”
“Royal Mail capacity and reliability has been problematic for years.”
London-based FDM Document Solutions works with more than 45 local authorities on election materials.
Sales and marketing director Ian Forster told Printweek that the need for modernisation was “critical” and the firm fully supported the AEA’s recommendations, especially the timetable extension.
“Our experience during the 2024 snap General Election highlighted the immense pressure placed on administrators, suppliers, and print and mailing providers, making it clear that current timeframes are insufficient,” he said.
“The existing 25-day timetable is too restrictive and leaves little margin for error. Given the complexity of modern elections, extending this to 30-days is not just beneficial – it is essential for risk mitigation.”
The full AEA report can be accessed here.
