Campaigners call for MP enquiry into ‘failing’ voter ID implementation

Campaigners have called on an influential commons committee to launch an inquiry into the implementation of the government’s flagship voter ID policy after experts expressed doubts over the policy’s deliverability.

In a letter to Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee Chair William Wragg MP the Electoral Reform Society, Unlock Democracy and Hands Off Our Vote have called on the committee to launch an inquiry into Voter ID which is set to apply to UK elections from May 2023.

The groups cite various electoral administrators, experts and even the government’s own Infrastructure and Projects Authority has coded the Act’s implementation red noting the “Successful delivery of the project appears to be unachievable.”[1]

Just last month an event of over 700 electoral professionals held by the Association of Electoral Administrators on behalf of the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities said they are still not confident Voter ID can be delivered as currently planned, to the quality voters deserve.[2]

Dr Jess Garland, Director of Policy and Research, Electoral Reform Society said:

“We’ve long warned of the potential impact of voter ID – a policy that will make it harder for millions to cast their vote and potentially shut many out from the ballot box. But if the government insist on introducing this damaging policy it must be done right.

“Up and down the country electoral administrators are already thinking ahead towards next year’s elections but doing so without the certainty of knowing what’s required of them when it comes to voter ID.

“The delays to important legislation key to the successful implementation of voter ID mean that, as these elections approach, it’s becoming less certain that every eligible voter will be able to cast their ballot. We need an urgent enquiry into voter ID and if delays continue for the government to take stock and hit pause before it’s too late.”

The move comes as it was revealed that councils will be required to purchase 40,000 mirrors and privacy screens – at an estimated cost of £1.3m for polling stations as part of the scheme – allowing people in religious headgear or face coverings to have their identity checked away from public view.[3]

There were just 171 allegations of in-person voter fraud at a polling station from 2014 to 2019 – of which three led to a conviction.

The government previously estimated the scheme will cost between £65m and £180m over the next 10 years, with a “central estimate” of £120m. [4]