Britain's Trade Union Ballots Can Go Digital

From 25 August 2026, trade unions in Great Britain can use electronic and workplace voting methods for statutory ballots. The change moves beyond the long-standing reliance on postal voting and applies to several types of official union decisions. [1][2]

The new code covers industrial action ballots, union elections, political-fund votes, union mergers and certain transfers between unions. Electronic balloting can give members another way to participate without returning a paper ballot through the post. [1]

Workplace balloting is another option in some circumstances. Acas says union members can vote electronically or in person if the employer and union agree, including for industrial action, union elections and other statutory ballots. [3]

The code is detailed because convenience is not the only concern. A valid ballot needs secrecy, security and a reliable way to identify eligible voters. Independent scrutineers also have responsibilities for checking how statutory ballots are conducted. [1]

The government presents the change as part of a wider update to trade union law. The 25 August date was confirmed in an implementation timeline updated earlier this month. [2]

For union members, the practical difference may be simple: a vote that once arrived mainly through the letterbox may now appear on a secure electronic system or, where appropriate, at the workplace.

Whether the change increases turnout will depend on how unions use the new methods and how comfortable members feel with them. The reform changes the route to the ballot box; participation still depends on workers deciding to use it.