Trade Unions Triumph As Balloting Goes Digital

In a win for the trade union movement, electronic voting has finally come into force.

For years, unions were required to make industrial action ballots postal – an outdated mode of practice which discouraged many workers from getting involved.

From today (August 25th), unions can now use electronic, workplace and hybrid voting systems thanks to new secondary legislation under the Employment Rights Act 2025.

Electronic and hybrid voting is now available for industrial action ballots, political fund/resolution ballots, union elections, and union merger ballots.

Community General Secretary Roy Rickhuss CBE said:

“Electronic voting is a major win for the trade union movement. Our members live and work in a digital world, so it is important they have the option to vote online, as well as via postal ballot. We also welcome the introduction of workplace and hybrid balloting – options that have modernised the system and will make voting far more accessible to the everyday worker.

“Holding a ballot is an integral part of securing a mandate for lawful industrial action, but for too long unions have been required to rely on an outdated voting system. These changes will make the process more straightforward and will greatly benefit our members by removing unnecessary barriers to voting.”

Why online balloting matters

Sometimes, the only way we can champion our members and secure better working conditions is through lawful industrial action. To take that action, we must first secure a mandate from our members through a ballot.

Electronic balloting promises greater accessibility as it allows members to access their vote online. Modernising the system in this way removes unnecessary barriers to participation. The new changes mean we will no longer have to rely on the postal system and will instead have greater choice in how we choose to set up a statutory industrial action ballot.