Business

Campaigners rubbish government plans for voter ID checks at elections

Plans to ID voters at polling stations during future elections are "deeply flawed" according to a group of campaigners.

Publishing an analysis into the proposed plans, the Electoral Reform Society (ERS) said that the idea was a "calculated effort by the government to make voting harder for some citizens."

The government has argued that ID checks during elections would cut down on electoral fraud.

During the upcoming 31 May local council elections the policy will be piloted in Bromley, Gosport, Swindon, Watford and Woking council areas.

Read more: Political ads on Facebook will be vetted for 2019 local elections

"Its hard not to see this as a calculated effort by the government to make voting harder for some citizens," said Darren Hughes, chief executive of the ERS. "As such its vital we think about the risks these changes pose to a free and fair franchise in the UK. We need policy based on hard facts – not rumour and innuendo.

"With millions of people lacking the right photographic ID – and no government plans for a universal, free alternative – this can only mean another barrier for honest voters. The government know this, which makes this policy all the more concerning."

Last week, Cabinet Office minister Chloe Smith defended the policy, saying: "We already ask that people prove who they are in order to claim benefits, to rent a car or even to collect a parcel from the Post Office, so this is a proportionate and reasonable approach."

But Hughes rubbished this claim, stating:

The government like to compare going to vote to picking up a parcel – where some ID is required. Yet mandatory photographic ID would prevent millions from picking up their parcel – i.e. exercising their right to vote.

And while you can forget your ID for a parcel and pick it up the next day, the same cannot be said for using your right to vote.

These deeply flawed trials must not be a fait accompli for the governments plan to roll-out an ill-thought policy.

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CityAM

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