Watchdog Reports 16,000 People Skipped Voting in General Election Due to ID Requirement
The 2024 general election marked a significant change for voters in Britain, as it was the first election to require citizens to show ID in order to vote at a polling station.
The Electoral Commission found that about 16,000 people across the UK were unable to vote in the July general election due to the new ID requirement at polling stations.
As per the Elections Act 2022, voters must now present an ID at the polling station. The commission’s findings revealed that 87 percent of people were aware of this requirement during the July 4 vote.
However, 0.08 percent of individuals who arrived at polling stations were unable to cast their vote because they lacked an accepted form of ID.
Electoral Commission Chief Executive Vijay Rangarajan stated, “This election was the first instance where all voters across the UK had to show photographic ID, and while most were successful, some individuals were discouraged from voting due to the ID requirement.”
The commission’s analysis indicated that 0.25 percent of voters were initially turned away, but two-thirds of them returned later in the day with acceptable identification and were able to vote.
Rangarajan added, “While public awareness of the ID requirement is high, there are still groups of voters, such as younger individuals and ethnic minorities, who are less informed about the necessity of presenting ID.”
Regarding those who did not vote in the election, 4 percent indicated the ID rules as a reason for abstaining.
Recommendations
The commission highlighted the need to make the voting process easier for individuals without an accepted form of ID. Valid IDs include passports, driving licences, blue badges, and more.
Among the recommendations, the commission suggested the government review the list of acceptable IDs and consider adding documents like the Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card and the 18+ Student Oyster photocard.
The commission also called for widening the list of accepted forms of ID, considering concerns over security and inclusivity in the electoral process.
Rangarajan emphasized, “It is essential that everyone eligible to vote has the opportunity to do so, and our recommendations aim to support those without ID, enhance election accessibility, and maintain security.”
The commission’s report also addressed awareness and utilization of the Voter Authority Certificate (VAC) for those lacking accepted forms of ID.
Ultimately, the government should explore shifting the VAC application deadline closer to polling day and streamline the process of issuing certificates digitally to improve accessibility and turnout among eligible voters.
