Chloe Smith, Minister of State for the Constitution and Devolution 07/09/2021 whilst moving the second reading of the Elections Bill (Hansard.parliament.uk)
Are you aware of the new voting regulations?
It is really important that you are and that you spread the word to others!
Before you can vote at your polling station you must show photo ID.
There are some elections in England scheduled to take place on 4th May 2023. They will include some district councils, unitary authorities and directly elected mayors. The need for photo ID to be able to vote will be implemented for the first time at these elections.
This change in access to voting was included in the 2019 Conservative manifesto. The subsequent Elections Bill, referred to in the quote above, was said to be seeking to keep ‘our elections secure, fair, transparent and up to date’. The basis for the bill was to protect the ‘security and integrity’ of our voting system.
The changes made to enable these stated principles will be further extended to include UK General Elections from October 2023. It is vital that we are all aware of these new regulations so as to be prepared for future elections which will no doubt be coming our way!
On the website of The Electoral Commission there is a list of the acceptable forms of ID. If you do not have any of these identifications it also explains how an application can be made for a free voter ID document called a ‘Voter Authority Certificate’. The deadline for applying for this certificate, if needed before May 4th elections, is Tuesday 25th April 2023. Details of the information required to apply for the certificate is on the website www.electoralcommission.org.uk
The Local Government Association (LGA), chaired by a Conservative councillor, has issued a warning that the requirements are too strict. Also, as these new regulations now apply, there has been inadequate notification to voters. The chair of the LGA has said “Raising public awareness of these new requirements is crucial, and we remain concerned about the potential for electoral staff to be over-whelmed with enquiries and voter authority certificate applications when polling cards go out” (The Observer, 26/02/23). Whilst this is a concern there are other issues which the MCW NEC feel need addressing. What is clear is that this process is not necessarily an easy one for those without internet access. It is just as likely that someone who does not have a photo ID may also not have access to obtaining an on-line application for this free voter ID certificate.
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This means applying for a paper copy by contacting the local Electoral Registration Office, which in turn means contacting their local council office by phone, which is not always an easy process.Thus the MCW is asking that you share this information in whatever forum you might be engaged. Whether involved in political, trade union, local community or faith related activism this information needs to be widely circulated before polling day. It can be by word of mouth or newsletters or posters; all three in fact. However, alongside spreading the information will be the need to practically support some people by assisting and enabling their access to obtaining this official voter authority certificate. If potential voters cannot access the required documents then their voice is being stolen too.
