Hiba Mahamadi 30 April 2019

Voter ID plans slammed as 'undemocratic'

Mandatory voter ID requirements will seriously damage democracy, the Electoral Reform Society has warned again ahead of the local elections this week.

Some 10 councils will trial the system, under which voters who show up without personal identification will be turned away.

The society stressed there was no evidence of widespread electoral fraud in the UK, citing the fact there were just eight cases of impersonation last year.

More than 1,000 voters were turned away from polling stations for not having ID during trials last year.

Director of policy and research at the society, Dr Jess Garland, said: ‘Rather than spending up to £20m per election on making it harder to vote, we should be encouraging participation and ensuring online campaign rules are fit for the 21st century.’

Shadow minister for voter engagement, Cat Smith, called the voter ID plans ‘undemocratic’ and ‘unpopular,’ adding they would negatively impact ethnic minorities, older people, the disabled and students.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Corporate Director, Children and Young People (DCS)

Herefordshire Council
£142,952 (pay award pending)
We are now seeking our next permanent Corporate Director of Children and Young People to drive forward the services and deliver lasting impact. Herefordshire
Recuriter: Herefordshire Council

Senior Legal Assistant

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£39855 - £42324 per annum
Royal Borough of Greenwich
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Domestic Assistant

Essex County Council
Up to £25081.00 per annum + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Domestic AssistantPermanent, Full Time£25,081 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Estates Manager

Essex County Council
£47250.0000 - £55589.0000 per annum
Estates ManagerPermanent, Full Time£47,250 to £55,589 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Practitioner - Children in Care, North Essex

Essex County Council
Up to £0.0000 per annum
Senior Practitioner - Children in Care, North EssexFixed Term, Full Time£45,217 to £54,395 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner