High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! The Representation of the People Act 1832 (commonly known as the Reform Act 1832) was an Act of Parliament (2 3 Will. IV) that introduced wide-ranging changes to the electoral system of England and Wales. According to its preamble, the act was designed to "take effectual Measures for correcting divers Abuses that have long prevailed in the Choice of Members to serve in the Commons House of Parliament."