Text No6: ID cards for Voters
The national rules will first take effect during the May local elections. South Swindon
parliamentary candidate Heidi Alexander said she is worried this will "disenfranchise a lot of
people".The proposals were passed by Parliament in December and the government said it
would prevent voter fraud. Historically British elections have relied on your word for your
name and address, but the law has changed requiring people to now show formal ID at the
polling station. Swindon Borough Council's returning officer and chief executive Susie Kemp
said: "Please don't leave it to the last moment, just take a moment to check the list of
documents you can use." Ms Kemp's team have started a publicity campaign locally to raise
awareness of the change in national law. Unlike a previous trial of the scheme in Swindon in
2018, polling cards cannot be used as ID. Valid documents include a British passport, driver's
license, an over-60s bus pass, and a disabled driver's blue badge. Those who do not have any
of these documents can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate in advance, or they can
register to vote by post.Without any of the above, voters will be turned away. The
government said 98% of people had an acceptable form of ID and they would work with all
organisations to make the change successful.
Dan O'Brien,bbc.co.uk, February, 3rd 2023
