Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Voter ID: Equalities Impact Assessments

Wednesday 26 May 2021 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government conducted a nationally representative survey to assess photo identification ownership.
  • Legislation mandates that local authorities provide a free voter card to electors without approved forms of photographic ID.
  • Research indicates that 97% of disabled electors possess at least one form of photographic identification.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Meg Hillier Labour (Co-op) Hackney South and Shoreditch
Democracy & Elections Women & Equalities
Context

The question arises from the government's plans to introduce voter ID, a policy that requires voters to present photo identification at polling stations.

Question

What equalities impact assessments have been conducted on the Government's proposals to introduce voter ID?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

The Government take their public sector equality duty extremely seriously. In 2021, a nationally representative survey commissioned by the Cabinet Office was conducted to assess photo identification ownership. The findings from this research and ongoing engagement with stakeholders will inform plans to ensure voter ID is inclusive for all voters.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific details on equality impact assessments or their content

How: The Government Take Their Public Sector Equality Duty Extremely Seriously.

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Q2 Meg Hillier Labour (Co-op) Hackney South and Shoreditch
Democracy & Elections
Context

The question addresses the issue of constituents who are Commonwealth citizens without proper identity documents to vote, a situation that poses challenges under voter ID requirements.

Question

I could probably write an essay on identity documents. I am particularly concerned about Commonwealth citizens seeking status in the UK but lacking required identification for voting. What is the Minister's solution for these individuals?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

Legislation will mandate that local authorities provide a voter card free of charge if an elector does not have one of the approved forms of photographic identification.

Answered
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Q3 Marsha de Cordova Lab Battersea
Democracy & Elections
Context

Research indicates significant challenges for visually impaired individuals to vote independently, raising concerns about how voter ID proposals might exacerbate these issues.

Question

Research shows that only one in 10 blind voters and less than half of partially sighted voters could vote independently and confidentially. Given the barriers, is the Minister not concerned that introducing voter ID will make it more difficult for people with sight loss to vote?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

Research indicates that 97% of disabled electors have at least one form of photographic identification. Legislation will mandate free voter cards from local authorities, ensuring people can still vote. The purpose is to prevent identity theft and ensure secure voting.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address concerns about increased difficulty for blind and partially sighted voters

How: We Looked Into The Impact Of Voter Id On Disabled Voters, And Our Research Indicates That 97% Of Disabled Electors Have At Least One Form Of Photographic Identification.

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