Mark Whitehead 04 May 2018

Voters turned away from polling booths due to ID scheme

Would-be voters were turned away from polling booths for the first time in trials of controversial ID schemes designed to tackle electoral fraud.

Reports suggest some were not carrying the required documents while there was also some confusion over what evidence needed to be shown.

The scheme has been condemned by a wide range of bodies including the Electoral Reform Society which branded it a 'draconian measure which risks excluding many legitimate voters from our democracy.'

In Bromley, south-east London, the opposition Labour group said at least 13 people were turned away from one ward.

According to reports an experienced voting clerk had to turn away a man he knew personally as the would-be voter did not have the necessary documents.

Angela Wilkins, leader of the Labour group on Bromley council, said most people being turned away were reportedly from Crystal Palace, the most deprived and diverse part of the borough.

'We assume tallies are being taken about how many people are refused at each polling station, and if it turns out this is a particular problem in places like Crystal Palace it bears out some of the concerns we have raised,' she said.

However, Stuart Wilks-Heeg, an expert on electoral integrity at Manchester University, said the pilot appeared to be running smoothly at three polling stations in Woking where two people were turned away.

'Polling station staff were really well briefed and voters clearly knew about the requirements,' he said.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Integrated Front Door Social Worker

Cheshire East Council
£40,444 - £43,149 per annum
Be part of a service that makes a real difference to children and families at the earliest stage of support! Crewe, Cheshire
Recuriter: Cheshire East Council

SEND Caseworker

Cheshire East Council
£40,444 - £43,149 per annum
We’re on a meaningful journey in Children’s Social Care and we’d love for you to be part of it. Crewe, Cheshire
Recuriter: Cheshire East Council

Teacher

Durham County Council
£32,916 - £51,048 MPS1 - UPS3
WHAT IS INVOLVED?  The team at Aycliffe Secure Centre provide a caring, trauma informed and aspirational environment for young people aged between 10 Newton Aycliffe
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Portage Worker - SEND and Inclusion Senior Specialist

Durham County Council
Grade 8, £33,673 - £37,563 pro rata per annum
We are looking for a compassionate, skilled and enthusiastic SEND and Inclusion Senior Specialist Support Worker to join our highly regarded Portage T Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Work Consultant

Durham County Council
Grade 13 £48,738 - £53,051
Are you an experienced children and families social worker ready to progress your career and step into a management role?   Are you passionate about w Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner