The Representation of the People Act 1983 (c. 2) is an act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. It changed the British electoral process in the following ways:

The act also regulates how political parties and people acting on their behalf are to behave before and during an election.

Section 3 prohibits prevents individuals detained in prison and mental health hospitals from being able to vote in UK Parliament elections and local elections in England and Wales.

Sections 72 to 90 control the total election expenses that can be spent on behalf of a candidate.^{[citation needed]}

During the time limit of the election, all money spent on the promotion of a candidate must be authorised by his election agent. This includes the cost of holding public meetings, organising public displays, issuing advertisements, circulars, or otherwise presenting the candidate's views and the extent or nature of his backing or disparaging another candidate. It does not include travel expenses from home or similar personal expenses.^{[citation needed]}

The expenses limit for the campaign (which is enforceable due to it all having to be authorised by one person) is £100,000 for a parliamentary by-election, but is approximately £5,483 plus either 6.2p or 4.6p for every registered voter in the district.^{[citation needed]}

Section 91 entitles candidates to one free mailshot of election material to all voters in the constituency. Section 94 makes it illegal to print fake polling cards.

Sections 95 to 98 entitle the candidate to hold public meetings free of charge in schools and other public buildings in the constituency, and pay only the cost price for making the rooms available.^{[citation needed]}