Question

To ask the hon. Member for Lancaster and Fleetwood, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, whether the Committee has had discussions with the Electoral Commission on guidance to be issued during the training of polling station staff on dealing with voters who do not have eligible ID.

The Speaker’s Committee has not had discussions with the Electoral Commission on the matter referred to.

The Electoral Commission has published guidance for Returning Officers on delivering the voter ID requirement, alongside a handbook and quick guide for polling station staff. These provide staff with support and guidance to implement the legislation on polling day and manage any issues which arise, including where a voter does not have an accepted form of ID.

Legislation requires polling station staff to collect data on the number of voters not issued with a ballot paper, whether because they have produced ID which is not on the list of accepted documents or have not produced any ID at all. This data will be anonymised and then provided to the Government and the Commission after polling day.

The Commission will report on how the May 2023 elections were delivered, including how voters found taking part, and what lessons can be learned for the future.