The Electoral Commission is commissioning organisations to help sign up the millions of unregistered voters ahead of next year's local elections in England.

In February, it emerged that more than 7.6 million eligible voters in England and Wales are missing from the electoral roll, according to analysis by the Electoral Reform Society.

As well as having to register individually - unlike some countries which offer automatic voter registration - voters also now have to bring photographic ID to vote in person in Westminster elections, and local elections in England.

Democracy groups estimate that as many as two million adults in Great Britain still lack a valid form of photo ID.

Labour's winning manifesto this July pledged "To encourage participation in our democracy, Labour will improve voter registration and address the inconsistencies in voter ID rules that prevent legitimate voters from voting."

The party has committed to expanding acceptable forms of ID, including allowing the use of HM Armed Forces Veteran Cards.

The manifesto added: "We will increase the engagement of young people in our vibrant democracy, by giving 16- and 17-year-olds the right to vote in all elections. And we will protect democracy by strengthening the rules around donations to political parties."

The King's Speech this year - the Labour Government's first legislative plan in 15 years - stated: "My ministers will strengthen the integrity of elections and encourage wide participation in the democratic process."

But no specific legislation has been lined up so far, suggesting Labour may first try to boost registration through non-legal changes. One leading democracy sector source suggested to Byline Times plans for automatic voter registration seem to have been dropped.

Now the Electoral Commission, with a Government that is more pro-reform breathing down their neck - have announced new funding opportunities aimed at increasing democratic participation among under-registered groups in England.

The initiative, which runs until March 2025, offers two types of contracts: up to four Democratic Engagement Projects, with up to £50,000 each offered to organisations with a proven track record of engaging under-registered groups, and up to eight Democratic Innovation Projects, offering up to £10,000 each for piloting "new approaches to democratic engagement."

Related reading: Vast Majority of Those Turned Away Over Voter ID in Local Elections Were 'Non-White' According to Polling Station Observers

In its tender document, the Commission says it is particularly interested in projects that target groups known to face barriers to voting, including young people, ethnic minorities, and those with disabilities.

The tender notes: "The aim of this work is to support organisations to engage with their existing audiences who are not currently registered to vote, and to raise awareness of the new voter ID requirement.

"We will support organisations who ensure under-registered groups have an active involvement in every element of the project to foster a deeper understanding of the democratic process."

An Electoral Commission spokesperson told Byline Times: "The Commission is procuring services from organisations to increase democratic participation among groups who are under-registered to vote. We want to hear from organisations that work with communities who face barriers to voting."

The projects will have to increase the likelihood of registration in "under-registered groups", increase awareness of the voter ID requirements and the availability of councils' free Voter Authority Certificate, and "build our understanding of what works and what doesn't, and what has the most impact in increasing awareness of the electoral system."

Recent research by the Electoral Commission highlighted major gaps in voter registration across different demographic groups.

For instance, only 16% of 16-17 year olds in Great Britain were found to be registered, compared to 70% of 18-34 year olds ...