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.
Question
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?
Answer from Felicity Buchan
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.
Not addressed: The Minister did not explicitly address whether she agrees with the assessment that the policy negatively impacted minority groups' participation.
How: Reminded Questioner About 99.75% Turnout, Mentioned Electoral Commission'S Call For Voter Id
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