Last year, Parliament passed the Elections Act 2022, which delivers on Conservative manifesto pledges to tighten the law to prevent electoral fraud. This will include measures to tackle postal voting fraud, punish intimidation, prevent foreign interference and ensure greater transparency on digital campaigning. These are being commenced in stages, to help councils and political parties with the new rules. The election for the Forest of Dean District Council, due to take place on the 4th of May 2023, will see the introduction of the Act’s measure to require photographic identification to vote at polling stations.
Identification to vote has been backed by the Electoral Commission and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, which state that its absence is a security risk. Without a requirement for identification at the polling station, it is harder to take out a library book or collect a parcel at a post office than it is to vote in someone else’s name.
Northern Ireland has required photographic identification in all its elections since 2003. Introduced by the last Labour Government, it has proven to be effective at tackling fraud and improving voter confidence. The Conservative Government also undertook local election pilots in 2018 and in 2019, helping inform the rollout of this policy. Research shows that 98 per cent of the population have a relevant form of photo identification. Accepted identification includes driving licences, passports, various concessionary travel passes, CitizenCard / PASS proof of age cards, Ministry of Defence cards and Blue Badge parking permit cards. Anyone who does not possess one of these forms of photographic identification can apply for free for a Voter Authority Certificate online at GOV UK. There is also the option to apply by post.
You’ll need to complete your application by 5pm on the 25th April 2023 to get a Voter Authority Certificate for the 4th May 2023 local election.
The Electoral Commission is running a public awareness campaign to ensure all electors are aware of the new photographic identification requirements and I have been assured that the Government will continue to work with the Electoral Commission to ensure all voters are aware of the new requirement.
This article was first published in The Forester newspaper.
