Voter Identification Minority Groups 2023-10-16
2023-10-16
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The Electoral Commission's report highlighted issues with awareness and take-up among black and minority ethnic communities, with significant MPs acknowledging the policy's failure. The report found that 99.75% of voters were able to vote successfully.
What assessment has been made of the impact of the Government's voter identification policies on the turnout of minority groups at elections? The Electoral Commission's report found awareness was lowest among BME communities and take-up minimal, with even Conservative MPs recognizing this as a failed experiment. Does the Minister agree?
We are conducting an evaluation of the impact of voter identification at the May polls, to be published no later than November. I remind the hon. Lady that 99.75% of the electorate were able to vote successfully and that it was the Electoral Commission that called for voter ID, which exists in Northern Ireland for two decades and most European countries. Ethnic minorities have been victims of electoral fraud, everyone deserves fair elections.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not explicitly address whether she agrees with the assessment that the policy negatively impacted minority groups' participation.
Reminded Questioner About 99.75% Turnout
Mentioned Electoral Commission'S Call For Voter Id
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Electoral Commission's report criticized the low awareness among black and minority ethnic communities about new voting rules, leading to minimal take-up. Conservative MP Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg commented on the policy's failure.
Does the Minister agree with her own colleagues that the voter ID requirement is a failed experiment in terms of its impact on minority group turnout? The Electoral Commission's report was damning and highlighted awareness issues among BME communities, while even Government MPs admit it did not work as intended. Does she share their view?
I remind the hon. Lady that 99.75% of the electorate voted successfully, and it was the Electoral Commission that called for voter identification which has been in place in Northern Ireland for two decades under Labour, and exists in most European countries.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not address whether she agrees with her colleagues about the policy's failure regarding minority groups' turnout.
Emphasized High Overall Turnout
Referenced Electoral Commission'S Support
Response accuracy