Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will work with local authorities to ensure that none of the voter ID pilots taking place in May 2018 accept only a passport or driving license as valid identification.

The voter ID pilot schemes are part of a comprehensive programme of reform that will enhance public confidence in our elections, and strengthen electoral integrity.

It has always been Cabinet Office’s view that voter ID pilots will not disenfranchise any legitimate voter and that piloting voter ID with local authorities is the best way to ensure successful implementation nationally. Local authorities best understand the needs of their electors and each pilot has reflected its preference for the form and combination of ID. No-one will need to purchase identification documents to be able to vote in the pilots scheduled for May 2018 and the valid identification will not be limited to a passport or driving licence. The pilot local authorities and the Electoral Commission continue to work closely with the Cabinet Office to ensure that this is possible and that every eligible voice can be heard.

We want to ensure the system is safe and secure. It is not acceptable that anyone should be disenfranchised from the process.