Voter ID Requirements Turnout and Enfranchisement 2021-09-23
2021-09-23
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question addresses potential effects of voter ID on enfranchisement levels, referencing discussions with Cabinet colleagues.
What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential effect of the introduction of voter ID on levels of enfranchisement?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked about discussions with Cabinet colleagues but the answer did not address these specific discussions or provide concrete details of policy impact.
Changed Subject To Northern Ireland'S Experience
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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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.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked about disenfranchisement but the answer focused on voter confidence and existing ID ownership statistics.
Highlighted Positive Aspects Without Addressing Negative Impacts
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
The question expresses strong support for the introduction of voter ID and refers to Northern Ireland's successful experience.
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.
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q4
Direct Answer
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Context
The question criticizes opposition parties for their stance on voter ID and questions their consistency.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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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.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked for legal advice but the answer changed subject to voter fraud concerns without addressing the specific ask.
Changed Subject
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The question reiterates concern over human rights law compliance and asks for the publication of legal advice to ensure confidence in legislation.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked for publication of legal advice but the answer changed subject to protection against voter fraud without addressing the specific ask.
Changed Subject
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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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.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
The number of people lacking suitable ID and the potential disenfranchisement of up to 324,000 voters due to lack of proper identification
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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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.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Concerns about political party spending transparency and influence of dark money in the electoral process
Focus On Lack Of Regulation Regarding Voting Confidence
Response accuracy