Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Voter ID — [Sir Gary Streeter in the Chair]

13 July 2021 · 7 other contributors · 9,776 words

Opened by Rachel Hopkins Lab Luton South and South Bedfordshire

Responding minister: Chloe Smith

Democracy & Elections

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Rachel Hopkins raised concerns about voter id — [sir gary streeter in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • The debate focuses on the Elections Bill which aims to introduce voter identification requirements.
  • Rachel Hopkins argues the legislation costs over 40 million over the next decade without addressing an existing problem.
  • The minister states the government is committed to upholding the integrity of democracy by introducing voter ID to prevent personation.

Key requests to Government

How does the Minister expect her to explain the introduction of voter ID to her constituents who are more likely to suffer voter suppression because of it, and how will this additional work be undertaken by under-resourced election administrators?

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Rachel Hopkins Lab Luton South and South Bedfordshire

The debate focuses on the Elections Bill which aims to introduce voter identification requirements. Rachel Hopkins is concerned that this legislation poses a threat to democracy, arguing it costs over £40 million over the next decade without addressing an existing problem. She mentions that from 2010 to 2018 there were only five police cautions issued for personation and four convictions in UK polling stations. According to research, 99% of election staff do not think fraud has occurred in their polling stations and 88% of the public think our polling stations are safe.

Other contributors (7)
  • Alan Brown SNP Clydebank and Milport

    Alan Brown disagreed with Chris Clarkson, arguing that voter ID legislation would disproportionately affect disadvantaged groups and minorities. He highlighted the lack of substantial evidence for widespread voter fraud and criticised the Conservative party's attempts to suppress votes from non-Tory voters.

  • Chris Clarkson Con Heywood and Middleton

    Chris Clarkson argued that voter ID is essential for maintaining the integrity of democratic processes, citing examples of voter fraud in Rochdale. He also noted that requiring proof of identity at polling stations is common internationally and could increase confidence in elections.

  • Kenny MacAskill SNP East Lothian

    Mr MacAskill argued that electoral fraud is rare and not a significant issue in the UK, citing his extensive experience as an elected official. He expressed concern over voter suppression policies like ID checks, particularly those influenced by US examples of disenfranchisement. Emphasising the importance of civic literacy and political awareness to increase voter turnout, he highlighted issues with mandatory voting systems and encouraged measures that make voting easier.

  • Mark Fletcher Con Medway

    He argued that the hon. Member for Kilmarnock and Loudoun approached the issue without a coherent argument, stating that voter fraud is a real problem in Tower Hamlets, especially in council elections where proper identification could prevent fraudulent voting. Mr Fletcher intervened, questioning why arguments against voter ID do not apply to Labour Party events where photo ID is required. He mentioned an event hosted by the Member for Poplar and Limehouse at St Paul's church in Bow requiring attendees to bring photo ID.

  • Patricia Gibson SNP North Ayrshire and Arran

    Ms Gibson argues that the Elections Bill does not address a real problem, as only one person has been convicted of voter fraud. She cites evidence from around the world showing that voter ID disproportionately affects socially disadvantaged voters. Ms Gibson also mentions that 3.5 million UK voters lack photographic identification and 11 million do not have driving licences or passports. The implementation cost is estimated at £10 million.

  • Stewart Hosie SNP Dundee East

    Mr Hosie criticised the Government's voter ID plans, arguing that they are a solution in search of a problem and undermine public trust. He cited evidence showing only one conviction for personation fraud in 2016 despite over 30 million votes cast during the EU referendum. Mr Hosie also pointed out that voter ID could suppress participation by an estimated quarter of a million voters.

  • Tom Randall

    He agreed with Mark Fletcher's statement about electoral fraud being a real issue and provided an example of how voter impersonation can occur easily without the requirement for ID at polling stations, particularly in urban areas like Tower Hamlets.

Government Response

Chloe Smith

It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Sir Edward. I thank the hon. Member for Luton South for bringing forward this debate and all hon. Members who have contributed. The Government is committed to upholding the integrity of our democracy by introducing voter ID to stamp out personation, which is a crime of deception often targeting vulnerable individuals. The Electoral Commission's research shows that residents in diverse areas are at greater risk of electoral fraud. Voter ID virtually eliminates the risk of personation and increases public confidence in voting, as data from pilot evaluations have shown. Lord Pickles' independent review of electoral fraud in 2016 provided evidence for vulnerabilities in our elections, including the introduction of voter identification to address such issues. The Electoral Commission supports this measure, and it is backed by international election observers who have called for its implementation in Great Britain due to security risks. Many other democracies require some form of ID to vote, and showing identification to prove one's identity is a common practice. Cabinet Office research from earlier this year shows that 98% of electors already own the photographic documents proposed. The list of approved photographic forms of identification includes various concessionary travel passes, proof-of-age standard scheme cards, photocard parking permits issued as part of the blue badge scheme, and out-of-date ID will also be accepted if recognisable. Voters without these documents can apply for a free, locally issued voter card from their local authority. We have worked with the Electoral Commission and other stakeholders to ensure that voter identification works for all. Secondary legislation is being introduced to implement this policy properly, building on knowledge from two years of pilots in various local authorities. Comprehensive targeted communications and guidance will be provided by the EC to raise awareness among voters. The Elections Bill also tightens rules for absent voting and clarifies outdated legislation on undue influence of an elector. Modernisation inside polling stations is critical, updating Victorian law to ensure voter identification is done well. Strengthening the integrity of our electoral system gives the public greater confidence that elections will remain secure in the face of modern challenges.

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