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

Assistant Business Partnering Accountant

Oxfordshire County Council
£41771 - £45091
At Oxfordshire County Council (OCC), we deliver essential services that make a real difference to the lives of our residents. Our Financial Services team plays a pivotal role in enabling the council to operate effectively, responsibly and sustainably. We Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Elective Home Education Officer

Oxfordshire County Council
38220
About the Role • This is a part-time role, 22.2 hours per week term time only. • Interviews will be held at County Hall on Monday 12th January We are looking for a dedicated Elective Home Education Officer to join our team to work with families, ch County Hall, New Road, Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Industry Support Worker

Oxfordshire County Council
£29064 - £31022
About the Role We are seeking an industry support worker who can bring the right skills and experience to address both the commercial and support demands of our sector. This includes tasks such as print finishing, client support, reprographics, typographi Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Lead Officer - Assessments and Statutory Processes EHCP Casework Team

Oxfordshire County Council
£63576 - £67003
We’ve transformed the way we help our communities to get the best outcomes possible for every child and family we work with. As part of this, we continue to invest in Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND), with the growth of our four teams w County Hall, Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Family Hub Lead

Oxfordshire County Council
£54495 - £57864
About the Role As our Family Hubs Lead, you will be part of developing, implementing, and delivering a transformative Family Hubs service across Oxfordshire. This pivotal role involves working with families, partners, and stakeholders to help embed integr Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council
Linkedin Banner