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Voter ID: One in four unaware they need ID to vote in May elections Voter ID: One in four unaware they need ID to vote in May elections
(about 1 hour later)
Almost a quarter of people still do not know that photo ID is required to vote in the upcoming local elections, the Electoral Commission has said.Almost a quarter of people still do not know that photo ID is required to vote in the upcoming local elections, the Electoral Commission has said.
For the first time, everyone voting in person in English local elections on 4 May will need to show identification.For the first time, everyone voting in person in English local elections on 4 May will need to show identification.
Craig Westwood, from the Electoral Commission, said it was focused on how the new system "can be delivered well".Craig Westwood, from the Electoral Commission, said it was focused on how the new system "can be delivered well".
But local councils have warned that election staff could be "overwhelmed" dealing with the new rules.But local councils have warned that election staff could be "overwhelmed" dealing with the new rules.
The Local Government Association (LGA) - which represents local authorities - said the practical difficulties faced by councils to bring about these rule changes "should not be underestimated".The Local Government Association (LGA) - which represents local authorities - said the practical difficulties faced by councils to bring about these rule changes "should not be underestimated".
The new rules mean that voters need to take photo ID to get their ballot papers in local elections in England, police and crime commissioner elections in England and Wales, and UK parliamentary elections.The new rules mean that voters need to take photo ID to get their ballot papers in local elections in England, police and crime commissioner elections in England and Wales, and UK parliamentary elections.
However, it is thought more than one million of eligible voters do not currently have accepted forms of photo proof.However, it is thought more than one million of eligible voters do not currently have accepted forms of photo proof.
For people who do not have the right photo ID they can apply for a free voter ID document - a "voter authority certificate" - from their local council.For people who do not have the right photo ID they can apply for a free voter ID document - a "voter authority certificate" - from their local council.
The deadline to register for one of these is 25 April - but government data shows just 60,368 people have applied since the scheme was launched.The deadline to register for one of these is 25 April - but government data shows just 60,368 people have applied since the scheme was launched.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today Programme, Mr Westwood said that voters often "respond late" ahead of elections and "we always see a very significant spike in the days leading up to the deadline".Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today Programme, Mr Westwood said that voters often "respond late" ahead of elections and "we always see a very significant spike in the days leading up to the deadline".
The communications director said the Electoral Commission had been running a campaign since January to make sure people were aware of this change.The communications director said the Electoral Commission had been running a campaign since January to make sure people were aware of this change.
"The awareness in the public has gone up from 22% to 76% over that period and that's still with a month to go," he added."The awareness in the public has gone up from 22% to 76% over that period and that's still with a month to go," he added.
Why do you now need photo ID to vote?Why do you now need photo ID to vote?
What to expect from May's local elections in EnglandWhat to expect from May's local elections in England
How do I register to vote and what is the deadline?How do I register to vote and what is the deadline?
Mr Westwood said "people understand" the new photo ID rules, adding that applications for the free voter authority certificate were increasing "day by day".Mr Westwood said "people understand" the new photo ID rules, adding that applications for the free voter authority certificate were increasing "day by day".
He also said there would be more staff at polling stations during the local elections in May.He also said there would be more staff at polling stations during the local elections in May.
Officials, who will be called "greeters", will be positioned outside polling stations to "make sure that people are definitely aware of the ID requirement", he added.Officials, who will be called "greeters", will be positioned outside polling stations to "make sure that people are definitely aware of the ID requirement", he added.
Mr Westwood said there were "very, very low levels of proven electoral fraud".Mr Westwood said there were "very, very low levels of proven electoral fraud".
"So people should feel confident about polling station voting in this country, but what we know from our public opinion surveys is that a lot of people don't," he told the BBC."So people should feel confident about polling station voting in this country, but what we know from our public opinion surveys is that a lot of people don't," he told the BBC.
The head of the Electoral Reform Society, Darren Hughes, raised concerns about people being turned away from polling stations for having no ID or an ineligible version.The head of the Electoral Reform Society, Darren Hughes, raised concerns about people being turned away from polling stations for having no ID or an ineligible version.
"One person being turned away is going to be far too many, given that we don't have this problem of people pretending to be someone else," he said."One person being turned away is going to be far too many, given that we don't have this problem of people pretending to be someone else," he said.
Mr Hughes also said the awareness of this new law was "worryingly low" and could lead to polling station officials being faced with voters "who are quite confused".Mr Hughes also said the awareness of this new law was "worryingly low" and could lead to polling station officials being faced with voters "who are quite confused".
Watch: Ione Wells explains the new rules for voting in England, in a minute
Watch: Ione Wells explains the new rules for voting in England, in a minute
There are 22 forms of accepted ID that can be used in polling stations including passports, driving licences and blue badges - as well as the free voter ID certificate.There are 22 forms of accepted ID that can be used in polling stations including passports, driving licences and blue badges - as well as the free voter ID certificate.
From October the compulsory voter ID rules will also apply to any future general elections. Photo ID is not required for postal votes.From October the compulsory voter ID rules will also apply to any future general elections. Photo ID is not required for postal votes.
In Northern Ireland - where photo ID is already required - 11 council elections are being held on 18 May. There are no local elections in Wales and Scotland in May.In Northern Ireland - where photo ID is already required - 11 council elections are being held on 18 May. There are no local elections in Wales and Scotland in May.
Voters in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will be required to show ID at the next general election, widely expected in 2024.Voters in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will be required to show ID at the next general election, widely expected in 2024.
Related TopicsRelated Topics
Electoral CommissionElectoral Commission
England local elections 2023England local elections 2023
Local governmentLocal government