The time has come to acknowledge the harm that the existing law has the potential to cause. Local democracy thrives when a broad range of individuals who bring different perspectives and experiences stand for public office in a contest of ideas. Women are under-represented in local government, with only 40 percent of councillor positions filled by women, and only 30 percent of mayors. Ethnic diversity is also an area of weakness in our local democratic system. Amending the requirement for candidates to disclose personal addresses will create a safer electoral environment for candidates, including women, gender-diverse people, and visible ethnic minority groups standing for local government. 