Concerns are growing in the UK about new Voter ID and Postal Vote regulations.
The Government’s “no photo ID, no vote” policy will come into effect on polling day, May 4th, 2023.
Disenfranchise
The new regulations could disenfranchise many people.
Approximately two million people in the UK do not possess a passport, driving licence, or other form of photo identification, which is now required to vote, under the new regulations.
The elderly and the young are especially at risk of being disenfranchised.
Voter Authority Certificate
The government has introduced a new Voter Authority Certificate to help those without ID.
It is free and requires a photo and National Insurance number.
However, the application process is mainly online, which could pose a problem for many elderly people who lack access to the internet.
It is possible to apply by post, but the application forms must be downloaded and printed, which could be an issue for those without a printer.
According to the Government impact assessment, 29% of people who lack photo ID would probably not apply for the certificate.
The assessment also warned that the introduction of identification at polling stations would make it difficult to vote for those aged 50-69 and 70+.
Postal votes
The 2022 Elections Act has put an end to indefinite postal votes.
Previously, anyone granted a postal vote continued to receive them for as long as they wished.
Now people must re-apply online every three years.
This could be an issue for those without internet.
Electoral Commission figures
According to the Government, the decision to implement these new regulations was to prevent potential fraud at the polling station.
However, latest figures from the Electoral Commission reveal that the UK has low levels of fraud.
The Electoral Commission website states: “The UK has low levels of proven electoral fraud. There is no evidence of large-scale electoral fraud in 2022.”
This article is based on a Press Release.
CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT THE BYLINES NETWORK CROWDFUNDER!
