Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Voter ID Requirements: Turnout and Enfranchisement

Thursday 23 September 2021 · 8 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial discussions on voter ID effects with Cabinet colleagues are ongoing since the Secretary of State's appointment.
  • The Secretary of State highlighted that 98% of the electorate already possess an accepted form of photo ID.
  • The response noted that the Government is focused on protecting human rights, including those subject to personation fraud.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Geraint Davies Lab
Northern Ireland Democracy & Elections
Context

The question addresses potential effects of voter ID on enfranchisement levels, referencing discussions with Cabinet colleagues.

Question

What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential effect of the introduction of voter ID on levels of enfranchisement?

Answer from Michael Ellis

Following his appointment, the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities is now responsible for this policy. In Northern Ireland there has been a requirement for photographic identification at polling stations since 2003, which operates with ease and improves voter confidence.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner asked about discussions with Cabinet colleagues but the answer did not address these specific discussions or provide concrete details of policy impact.

How: Changed Subject To Northern Ireland'S Experience

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Q2 Kirsten Oswald SNP
Democracy & Elections
Context

The question addresses the Electoral Reform Society's data showing that around 2.1 million people are at risk of not voting due to lack of photo ID, disproportionately affecting minority groups.

Question

According to the Electoral Reform Society, around 2.1 million people risk not being able to vote in a general election due to not having recognisable photo ID. Does he see that needlessly dampening participation by already excluded groups?

Answer from Michael Ellis

Ninety-eight per cent of the electorate already own an accepted form of photographic identification, including 99% of black, Asian and minority ethnic electors. The Electoral Commission's survey shows that a majority of people want more confidence in the security of the system.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner asked about disenfranchisement but the answer focused on voter confidence and existing ID ownership statistics.

How: Highlighted Positive Aspects Without Addressing Negative Impacts

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Q3 Mark Harper Con
Northern Ireland Democracy & Elections
Context

The question expresses strong support for the introduction of voter ID and refers to Northern Ireland's successful experience.

Question

I welcome the team to their positions. When I had responsibility, I visited Northern Ireland and spoke to electoral officials who stated that the system works well there.

Answer from Michael Ellis

My right hon. Friend is absolutely right. Any eligible voter without required ID can apply for a free local voter card from their local authority. Northern Ireland has had an ID requirement since 1985, with photographic ID since 2003.

Answered
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Q4 Andrew Bridgen Con
Democracy & Elections
Context

The question criticizes opposition parties for their stance on voter ID and questions their consistency.

Question

Does my right hon. and learned Friend agree that we detect more than a whiff of hypocrisy from Opposition parties, which oppose voter ID but would ask their own members to show ID?

Answer from Michael Ellis

My hon. Friend makes a good point. Labour party does make those requirements. A wide range of countries require some form of ID, including Canada, France, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Norway. The policy may have a deleterious effect on voter turnout.

Answered
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Q5 Cat Smith Lab Lancaster and Wyre
Democracy & Elections
Context

The question addresses human rights concerns raised in the Elections Public Bill Committee by Gavin Millar QC, who warned about potential breaches of the European convention on human rights.

Question

My question is specifically about how this legislation is compatible with human rights laws. What legal advice have the Government had to ensure it's not in contravention?

Answer from Michael Ellis

Of course we do not discuss legal advice, but people also have a human right not to have their votes stolen. The Electoral Commission found nearly 600 allegations of electoral fraud in 2019, and this Government are focused on protecting all human rights.

Not addressed: The questioner asked for legal advice but the answer changed subject to voter fraud concerns without addressing the specific ask.

How: Changed Subject

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Q6 Cat Smith Lab Lancaster and Wyre
Democracy & Elections
Context

The question reiterates concern over human rights law compliance and asks for the publication of legal advice to ensure confidence in legislation.

Question

My question was specifically about how this legislation is compatible with human rights laws. May I invite the Minister to publish the legal advice his Government will have received?

Answer from Michael Ellis

Successive Governments do not publish legal advice, but this Government are very focused on protecting human rights, including those subject to personation where their votes have been taken by someone else.

Not addressed: The questioner asked for publication of legal advice but the answer changed subject to protection against voter fraud without addressing the specific ask.

How: Changed Subject

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Q7 Stewart Hosie SNP
Democracy & Elections
Context

The public largely believes polling station voting is safe from fraud, with only one person convicted of personation over multiple years. Up to 3.5 million people lack suitable ID for new provisions in the Elections Bill, which could disenfranchise up to 324,000 voters.

Question

Some 90% of the public think that polling station voting is safe from fraud and abuse, and they are right to think that. Personation resulted in a single conviction in 2016, 7, and 2019, and zero convictions in 2018. Given up to 3.5 million people may not have suitable ID and the Government's pilots confirmed up to 324,000 people would be denied a vote in a Great Britain election, why are this Government prepared to embark on voter suppression on an industrial scale?

Answer from Michael Ellis

I am surprised by the right hon. Gentleman, because it is not just a question of convictions: attempts to commit crimes are also wrongs. We have to focus on reducing criminality in this area and increasing voter confidence that they will not be subject to personation.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The number of people lacking suitable ID and the potential disenfranchisement of up to 324,000 voters due to lack of proper identification

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Q8 Stewart Hosie SNP
Democracy & Elections
Context

The public is concerned about inadequate regulation of political party spending, with only 14% thinking there is transparency. There are long-standing concerns over the influence of dark money in the UK electoral system.

Question

Half the public thinks there is inadequate regulation of political party spending and only 14% think there is transparency around it. The Paymaster General knows well that there have been concerns about the influence of dark money in the UK electoral system for many years. Why could it be that this Government are planning to suppress the right of ordinary people to vote rather than tackle the real problem of dark money buying influence in the democratic process?

Answer from Michael Ellis

These bold assertions have no basis in evidence or reality and suppress votes. The right hon. Gentleman wants to focus on a lack of regulation regarding voting confidence, while we seek to protect the voting system as outlined in our manifesto commitment.

Not addressed: Concerns about political party spending transparency and influence of dark money in the electoral process

How: Focus On Lack Of Regulation Regarding Voting Confidence

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