Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Voter ID

Thursday 27 April 2023 · 4 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 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Kirsten Oswald raised concerns about the disparity between those who have applied for free ID certificates and the estimated number lacking such documents.
  • The Electoral Commission is working with key groups identified as needing additional support, but no specific measures to ensure full participation were mentioned.
  • Andrew Gwynne inquired about guidance for immunocompromised individuals required to remove their masks for ID verification, noting the lack of specific protective measures provided.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kirsten Oswald SNP
Democracy & Elections
Context

The SNP opposes voter ID requirement introduced under the Elections Act 2022. Only about 50,000 people have applied for free ID certificates while approximately 2 million voters lack necessary ID.

Question

I am concerned that the voter ID requirement is set to take effect in England ahead of local and national elections. Given the disparity between those who have applied for free ID certificates and the estimated number lacking such documents, what measures will the Electoral Commission implement to ensure full enfranchisement?

Answer from Cat Smith

The commission continues to support voters and electoral administrators ahead of upcoming elections. It has increased public awareness activities from 22% to 76%, and will conduct detailed public survey work on take-up levels, particularly focusing on groups needing additional support such as the over-85s, people with disabilities, Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, homeless individuals, trans and non-binary people.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address how to ensure disenfranchised voters can participate

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Q2 Kirsten Oswald SNP
Democracy & Elections
Context

The SNP opposes the requirement for voter ID which is set to take effect in England, Wales, and Scotland. Only about 50,000 people have applied for free ID certificates while approximately 2 million voters lack necessary documents.

Question

The commission has noted that only around 50,000 individuals have obtained the required free ID certificate compared to an estimated 2 million without appropriate identification. Given this discrepancy and the known disparities in enfranchisement between different demographic groups, what steps will be taken by the Electoral Commission to ensure all people can participate in elections?

Answer from Cat Smith

The commission is working with key groups identified as needing additional support, such as the over-85s, people with disabilities, Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, homeless individuals, trans and non-binary people, and anonymous voters. However, no specific measures to ensure full participation of disenfranchised populations were detailed.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide concrete steps addressing all potential barriers to voter ID

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Q3 Andrew Gwynne Ind Gorton and Denton
Democracy & Elections
Context

Voters who are immunocompromised might be asked to remove their face coverings at polling stations, raising concerns about health safety.

Question

If immunocompromised individuals turn up at a polling station next Thursday and are required to remove their mask for identity verification, what guidance has the Electoral Commission issued to protect these voters from potential health risks?

Answer from Cat Smith

The Electoral Commission advises polling clerks that face coverings must be removed for identity verification. However, no specific protective measures or additional guidance were provided to ensure safety of immunocompromised individuals.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific health protection guidelines for immunocompromised voters

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Q4 Clive Efford Lab Eltham and Chislehurst
Democracy & Elections Local Government
Context

Local authorities are facing difficulties in recruiting polling station staff due to additional voter ID requirements.

Question

Given the new responsibilities related to administering voter ID requirements, have there been any issues reported by local authorities regarding their ability to recruit sufficient polling station staff for upcoming elections?

Answer from Cat Smith

Electoral administrators are indeed facing difficulties in recruiting polling station staff, exacerbated by new roles involved with voter ID requirements. Local authorities are addressing these challenges through various means such as redeploying staff from non-election areas and ensuring a female presence at each station for religious face covering verification.

Answered
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