Earlier this week in Parliament, members voted through new regulations requiring Photo ID to be shown when voting from May 2023 (for the Mainland local elections).
If you do not have valid photo ID, a free offer from CitizenCard is worth exploring. See below for more detail.
Fears that new policy could deter voting
Whilst for some people having photo ID is simple – they just produce a driving licence, passport or Senior Citizen bus pass – for others it’s something that is out of reach.
It’s argued that millions of people in the UK cannot afford to pay for a driving licence or passport, when they do not drive or have no prospect of travelling abroad.
Opponents say the new regulations will deter those living on limited means from voting in future elections.
Rayner: A stain on Britain’s democratic history
Labour MP, Angela Rayner spoke out against the new policy in a debate on Monday, saying,
“I would like to say that it is a pleasure to speak in this debate, but frankly, I am sad that we have reached this point.
“It is a stain on Britain’s democratic history that, if the Government have their way with these regulations, we will take a historic step away from making our democracy more open and accessible and towards closing it down, shutting people out and making it harder to vote.”
She added that against the backdrop of around 243 million votes being cast in elections over the last ten years, only four people have been convicted of voter fraud.
Concerns raised from others
However, it’s not just opposition MPs who are concerned about the plans. It’s been argued by some that local government have not been given enough time to implement the changes and that additional pressure will now be placed on the volunteers at polling stations to ensure Photo ID is checked and verified.
Even the Electoral Commission have warned of potential problems because of Government delays. The director of electoral administration at the Electoral Commission, Ailsa Irvine, says that the timetable for introduction of the regulations, means that the requirements being delivered in a way which is accessible, secure and workable may not be fully met when the new policy is implemented.
CitizenCard
Help is at hand, for those without current photo ID, through a free CitizenCard.
A CitizenCard is an official UK ID / proof of age card recognised as such by the Home Office, the Chartered Trading Standards Institute and almost all UK retailers and public transport providers including UK airlines. The adult 18+ photo ID card displays the police and the Security Industry Authority logos and all CitizenCards bear the PASS hologram
Free offer
Usually costing £15 for a standard application or £30 for an urgent one, by using the code FREEVOTERID you will be able to obtain a free Citizen Card, valid for three years from date of issue.
Please note that you will need a referee – a professional person – validating original document(s) or confirming your details from official records to apply for a Citizen Card.
Who are behind CitizenCard?
CitizenCard is the only non-profit UK-wide issuer of police-approved proof of age and ID cards.
The company comprises representatives from Camelot, Co-operative, Experian, Entain, NFRN and the TMA. Find out more who are behind CitizenCard by visiting their Website.
Next elections
Unless there are any by-elections in the meantime, local elections on the Isle of Wight are not due to take place until May 2024 (along with five other unitary authorities) which is also the same date for the next scheduled General Election.
Article edit
5.52pm 15th Dec 2022 – replaced (we’re a year behind the Mainland) to (along with five other unitary authorities) in final paragraph
Image: CitizenCard
